1
as in choosy
hard to please
a picky cat who would only eat one particular kind of food, and only if it was served in his special dish
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in selective
tending to select carefully
she's picky, but she always finds the best quality in fresh meat and fish
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of picky
Mad About You While Mad About You has two great Thanksgiving episodes, the Buchmans' first time hosting Thanksgiving for their picky and particular family and friends easily takes the cake.
—
Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 26 Nov. 2025
Researchers say these findings highlight the importance of distinguishing everyday picky eating—a common frustration for parents—from severe, persistent avoidance that crosses into disorder territory.
—Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Nov. 2025
The American Shopping Spirit Still, consumers show a willingness to spend even while being pickier, and worried about the rising costs of living, and next year’s economy.
—David Moin, Footwear News, 24 Nov. 2025
Local shops such as Daytrip Society, Bliss, Mélange, and Seacraft sell wonderful wares for even the pickiest people on your list.
—Jacqueline Dole, Travel + Leisure, 23 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for picky
Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 26 Nov. 2025
Researchers say these findings highlight the importance of distinguishing everyday picky eating—a common frustration for parents—from severe, persistent avoidance that crosses into disorder territory.
—Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Nov. 2025
The American Shopping Spirit Still, consumers show a willingness to spend even while being pickier, and worried about the rising costs of living, and next year’s economy.
—David Moin, Footwear News, 24 Nov. 2025
Local shops such as Daytrip Society, Bliss, Mélange, and Seacraft sell wonderful wares for even the pickiest people on your list.
—Jacqueline Dole, Travel + Leisure, 23 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for picky
Recent Examples of Synonyms for picky
Adjective
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Being choosy right now builds your overall financial freedom.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
13 Jan. 2026
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After playing through a shoulder injury last season while leading the Dallas Cowboys in tackles, Kendricks, 33, was choosy about signing as a free agent in 2025.—
Jerry McDonald,
Mercury News,
12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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This selective approach allows Chinese tech companies to access advanced chips while maintaining control over their use in security-sensitive applications.—
Joe Toscano,
Forbes.com,
26 Jan. 2026
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Schoenrock said that the Flyway Federation's complaints are contextually selective.—
Bryan Hendricks,
Arkansas Online,
25 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Some houseplants are finicky about humidity, but African violets are usually content with standard household humidity levels.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
22 Jan. 2026
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In-car wireless chargers are notoriously finicky.—
Kristin Shaw,
Popular Science,
21 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Be careful when handling debris that may have blown into your yard.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
31 Jan. 2026
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Leeds are right on the limit of their profitability and sustainability (PSR) projections, but with some careful rebalancing of the finances, this could be a swing worth taking.—
James McNicholas,
New York Times,
31 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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And this is in a nice, pretty on-campus facility, not the old, dumpy Astrodome (although the Astrodome is still up, which is another story).—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
28 Jan. 2026
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Here’s how to stay safe The recent snow and ice storm turned much of the nation into a winter wonderland—from the safety of a nice, cozy sofa indoors.—
Meghan Bartels,
Scientific American,
28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Gus and Marty’s is exactly what this corner of Brooklyn needed—elevated yet un-fussy, an essence of real warmth, and genuinely great food.—
Jessica Chapel,
Condé Nast Traveler,
30 Jan. 2026
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For others, gloves feel unnecessary, awkward, or even a little fussy.—
Jessica Safavimehr,
Southern Living,
30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Graham, in particular, has been on a war path over the negotiations, accusing Republicans of not fighting hard enough to reclaim the narrative on immigration after the death of Alex Pretti last weekend.—
David Sivak,
The Washington Examiner,
31 Jan. 2026
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LinkedIn cofounder Reid Hoffman has long believed that anyone wanting to pursue entrepreneurship in particular will have to dedicate themselves to their idea to get it off the ground.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
31 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The champion’s mindset—persnickety, hyper-critical, focused—is back.—
Frederick Dreier,
Outside,
23 Dec. 2025
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Because of that pressurization level, passengers will experience less stress on their bodies and get more oxygen while onboard, which can help to reduce that persnickety jet lag.—
Nicole Hoey,
Robb Report,
9 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Picky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/picky. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.
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