1
as in scholarly
marked by or given to showing knowledge in a showy way
The writing was overly complex and pedantic, which made it nearly impossible to understand for anyone but a specialist. The speech was thoroughly researched and well structured, but too pedantic to appeal to a general audience.
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2
as in boring
causing weariness or lack of interest
I found the author's writing informative but dreadfully pedantic.
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of pedantic
Instead of focusing on the defense industrial base, the upcoming national defense strategy, or preparing to face threats across the Indo-Pacific and Europe, Hegseth talked about fitness tests and haircuts, coming across as pedantic for a room of seasoned commanders, the staffer said.
—
Anne Flaherty, ABC News, 30 Sep. 2025
Greengrass uses the scene where the bus becomes stationary as an example of conveying feelings without being pedantic.
—Tomris Laffly, Time, 6 Sep. 2025
Jesse makes a big point of that, because Jesse is a bit on the pedantic side.
—Peter J Reilly, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
Not to get too pedantic about it, but her latest look presents a wonderful learning opportunity for those of us looking to ace the art of dressing for this suffocating heat.
—Sam Reed, Glamour, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for pedantic
Anne Flaherty, ABC News, 30 Sep. 2025
Greengrass uses the scene where the bus becomes stationary as an example of conveying feelings without being pedantic.
—Tomris Laffly, Time, 6 Sep. 2025
Jesse makes a big point of that, because Jesse is a bit on the pedantic side.
—Peter J Reilly, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
Not to get too pedantic about it, but her latest look presents a wonderful learning opportunity for those of us looking to ace the art of dressing for this suffocating heat.
—Sam Reed, Glamour, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for pedantic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pedantic
Adjective
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The fact that Katherine had been institutionalized may have tainted her scholarly reputation.—
Margaret Talbot,
New Yorker,
26 Jan. 2026
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Brown-Grier argued that this knowledge gap is not just a scholarly problem but a governance one.—
Marybeth Gasman,
Forbes.com,
16 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Shopping on a budget doesn't have to be boring.—
Averi Baudler,
PEOPLE,
30 Jan. 2026
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For the boring old textbook reason of shifting interest rate differentials.—
Kelly Evans,
CNBC,
29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The study contributes to the academic field of ethnomathematics, which identifies mathematical knowledge embedded in cultural expression by prehistoric or non-literate communities.—
Jasmin Sykes,
CNN Money,
16 Jan. 2026
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That digitally literate generation then built world-beating technology companies.—
Oscar Täckström,
Fortune,
3 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
When Jensen was tiring of running her own business, her little brother did her the same favor of helping her land a job with the cannabis dispensary From The Earth at their Brookside location, where she was quickly hired and loved by her coworkers.—
PJ Green
January 7,
Kansas City Star,
7 Jan. 2026
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Although Richardson has only appeared in 25 of the 36 contests so far in his rookie campaign, the near first-half of his first year as a professional has been tiring for the 20-year-old who’s continued to adjust to his new life in Orlando.—
Jason Beede,
The Orlando Sentinel,
6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Frye believes that cerebral folate deficiency is present in many children with autism.—
Jon Hamilton,
NPR,
22 Jan. 2026
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In Aquarius, this manifests in a very real, social or cerebral way.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
19 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
And that is gratifying after two episodes of somewhat dull table-setting.—
Kelly Lawler,
USA Today,
29 Jan. 2026
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All in all, 2026 asks you to grow up without growing dull or losing your sense of wonder.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Caterpillar’s intelligent product lineup spans core construction and earthmoving equipment, along with connected site systems.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
7 Jan. 2026
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Conversely, if these foundations can be reinforced, even partially, the intelligent age may yet fulfil its promise of progress.—
Klaus Schwab,
Time,
5 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Davis’ book makes sense of all this without being overly didactic.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Jan. 2026
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Political without being didactic, the film taps into contemporary anxieties around immigration, power and resistance, delivering tension, spectacle and emotional weight in equal measure.—
Ana Gutierrez,
Austin American Statesman,
5 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pedantic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pedantic. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
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