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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Saleh figures to be choosy about which jobs to pursue.—
Jerry McDonald,
Mercury News,
9 Jan. 2026
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Between price hikes due to tariffs and inflation, sagging consumer confidence, and shoppers becoming choosier than ever, retailers had plenty to overcome this holiday season.—
David Moin,
Footwear News,
26 Dec. 2025
Adjective
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Letting lawmakers investigate themselves guarantees selective outrage.—
Brandon Rottinghaus,
Washington Post,
7 Jan. 2026
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The country’s most selective colleges still enroll large proportions of students from the wealthiest 1% of American families.—
Collin Binkley,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Boost Indoor Humidity Most peppers prefer higher-than-average humidity levels, but some pepper varieties are more finicky about humidity than others.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
30 Dec. 2025
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Wait for a dry, cold day to make the South's most finicky candy—then enjoy each ethereal, sugary bite.—
Josh Miller,
Southern Living,
25 Dec. 2025
Adjective
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Be careful when handling debris that may have blown into your yard.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
11 Jan. 2026
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These soft and chewy treats are the result of dozens of careful recipe tests.—
Lizzy Briskin,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The suede upper is also a nice departure from classic leather on other styles.—
Cheryl Wagemann,
InStyle,
11 Jan. 2026
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Monogramming linens and towels is always a nice touch.—
Tessa Cooper,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The pool has a shallow area to splash around in, and chefs are happy to work around fussy palates.—
Chris Schalkx,
Condé Nast Traveler,
31 Dec. 2025
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For an even less fussy, truly local experience, there’s Dave’s Last Resort, one of South Florida’s favorite dive bars, where the seafood’s always fresh and the game’s always on.—
Skye Sherman,
Southern Living,
22 Dec. 2025
Adjective
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Stranger Things star Noah Schnapp wanted an appropriate goodbye with one Hawkins resident in particular as the sci-fi series concluded last month.—
Raechal Shewfelt,
Entertainment Weekly,
7 Jan. 2026
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Your fourth tip centers on diet quality, in particular cutting out ultraprocessed foods.—
Katia Hetter,
CNN Money,
6 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 13 Jan. 2026.
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