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
To keep everyone content, dining choices should have something on the menu for serious foodies and the pickiest of kids.
—
Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 4 Nov. 2025
Phillips said that’s why the strategy requires that investors be particularly picky about the properties.
—Diana Olick, CNBC, 29 Oct. 2025
For example, try plain egg and cheese bites for picky eaters, or try adding mixed vegetables and beans for an easy way to boost your fiber intake.
—Jillian Kubala, Health, 27 Oct. 2025
Nothing in the kitchen is more reliably frustrating than trying to feed a picky one.
—The New York Times News Service Syndicate, Denver Post, 22 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for picky
Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 4 Nov. 2025
Phillips said that’s why the strategy requires that investors be particularly picky about the properties.
—Diana Olick, CNBC, 29 Oct. 2025
For example, try plain egg and cheese bites for picky eaters, or try adding mixed vegetables and beans for an easy way to boost your fiber intake.
—Jillian Kubala, Health, 27 Oct. 2025
Nothing in the kitchen is more reliably frustrating than trying to feed a picky one.
—The New York Times News Service Syndicate, Denver Post, 22 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for picky
Recent Examples of Synonyms for picky
Adjective
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LinkedIn's algorithm is choosy.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
2 Sep. 2025
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Known for being among the choosiest of the choosy buildings and the longtime home of Henry Kissinger, whose sprawling duplex, full of green upholstery and black candles — very Sister Parish — has yet to come on the market since his death.—
Kim Velsey,
Curbed,
13 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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And that’s selective prosecution.—
Greg Norman,
FOXNews.com,
4 Nov. 2025
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With more product releases than ever and increasingly selective consumers, there are far fewer opportunities for $1,000-plus flips from weekly shoe releases.—
Riley Jones,
Footwear News,
4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Wispy ’90s bangs are notoriously finicky—they’re so lightweight that the slightest brush against your forehead can leave them greasy and flat.—
Conçetta Ciarlo,
Vogue,
2 Nov. 2025
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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,
29 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Be careful when handling debris that may have blown into your yard.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
7 Nov. 2025
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Step by careful step, Holbrook climbed, holding out bologna and cheese until two pairs of cautious eyes peeked back.—
Ashley Vega,
PEOPLE,
7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Ten-inch-tall elves, called Scout Elves, arrive in children's homes ahead of Christmas with a mission to relay children's behavior back to Santa Claus for his naughty and nice list.—
Saman Shafiq,
USA Today,
7 Nov. 2025
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To those earning $50,000 a year at their regular jobs, making $5,000 in a few nights of netting was a nice bonus.—
Steve Waters,
Miami Herald,
7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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For the least fussy dessert, go for a stovetop crisp.—
Jesse Szewczyk,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
31 Oct. 2025
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With fantastic views of the Bay of Lagos and a luxurious architectural setting, Al Sud serves a locavore tasting menu that’s delicate but not fussy, with fish and seafood from Sagres plus meat and produce from nearby farms.—
Chadner Navarro,
Vogue,
30 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The streaming market is slowing but still growing, with particular attention on Asia, Africa, and South America.—
Billboard Japan,
Billboard,
10 Nov. 2025
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Sandor was a voracious reader who regularly went to the theater and the movies (Montgomery Clift was a particular favorite), and that inspired her to create stories and fantasy worlds.—
Mike Barnes,
HollywoodReporter,
10 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Meanwhile, a persnickety bank investigator, played by Tilda Swinton in a frizzle of red hair and clompy shoes, approaches Doyle with a serious charge.—
Stephanie Zacharek,
Time,
29 Oct. 2025
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The holdup has come from some persnickety deal points, like carving out international streaming rights and reaching consensus on the tech advancements Apple plans to use for its productions.—
Alex Harrington,
MSNBC Newsweek,
20 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Picky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/picky. Accessed 13 Nov. 2025.
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