as in careful
hard to please
an Oxford don who's definitely a pernickety old chap
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Recent Examples of pernickety
Perhaps this pernickety attention to detail is just the next logical step after years of falsification?
—
Raven Smith, Vogue, 9 Dec. 2020
Raven Smith, Vogue, 9 Dec. 2020
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pernickety
Adjective
-
Stirring frequently, cook until garlic is a deep golden brown, being careful not to burn it, about 5 minutes.—
C.W. Cameron,
AJC.com,
21 Feb. 2026
-
Once the heavy portion is removed, finish with a clean cut where the branch meets the trunk, being careful not to injure the branch collar.—
Rae Ford,
Martha Stewart,
21 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Orchids might seem like finicky houseplants, but with the proper care, that grocery store stunner can bloom for years and years.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
13 Feb. 2026
-
However, the safety market has been finicky, with the value of the position declining in recent years.—
James Boyd,
New York Times,
11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Francesca’s pinnacle Once a Regency world has implied there’s mass print culture capable of speedy and pervasive distribution of colored images, something as persnickety as vocabulary is probably beside the point.—
Kathryn VanArendonk,
Vulture,
11 Feb. 2026
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What’s more, some species are so persnickety that even low-water activity media won’t do the trick consistently.—
Elizabeth Anne Brown,
Scientific American,
20 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
This particular mission plans to put humans in orbit around the Moon.—
Christopher McFadden,
Interesting Engineering,
22 Feb. 2026
-
This formula, in particular, offers a liposomal delivery—a 125 mg phospholipid complex—to protect against degradation during digestion.—
Brianna Peters,
Vogue,
21 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
John Lavelle exudes a perfumed whiff of modern camp in his portrayal of Orsini-Rosenberg, the fussy, backstabbing director of the Imperial Opera.—
Theater Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Feb. 2026
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The setting is calm and elevated without being fussy.—
Katie Mathews,
Condé Nast Traveler,
17 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
These irresistible, creamy purée treats are perfect for picky eaters, bonding moments and sneaking in hydration—cats can’t get enough of them.—
Kasey Caminiti,
USA Today,
20 Feb. 2026
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The treat is designed in such a way as to hide the look, texture and smell of the pill so picky dogs don’t avoid taking it.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Maria Barriga is fastidious with hers at Oxomoco.—
Wilder Davies,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
17 Feb. 2026
-
Which is curious in a politician—especially one so fastidious in other respects.—
Maya Singer,
Vogue,
1 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Soccer is not only physical, but extremely mentally demanding.—
Rick Cantu,
Austin American Statesman,
24 Feb. 2026
-
Paul’s life as a doctor, academic, teacher, doer, and optimist created a demanding legacy.—
Chelsea Clinton,
Vanity Fair,
24 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pernickety.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pernickety. Accessed 26 Feb. 2026.
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