as in martinet
a person who believes that something is very important and should be done or followed all the time
Her father was a stickler about arriving on time.
Related Words
Relevance
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of stickler
This type of companion isn’t just occasionally opinionated or a stickler for proper grammar.
—
Jenna Ryu, SELF, 4 Aug. 2025
That's not to say that there aren't sticklers for the old way of doing things: leaving your phone at home or in the car, tucking it in your purse or pocket, turning it off, and at the very least, putting it on silent or vibrate mode.
—Frank Witsil, Freep.com, 3 July 2025
Wilson had always been a stickler in the studio, the perfectionist who kept repeating takes, bean-counters be damned, until the song felt right.
—Elias Leight, Billboard, 18 June 2025
Of course, there are some unrealistic elements in F1, moments that might have sticklers raising an eyebrow, but the film doesn’t feel any less dramatic than the real thing.
—Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 17 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for stickler
Jenna Ryu, SELF, 4 Aug. 2025
That's not to say that there aren't sticklers for the old way of doing things: leaving your phone at home or in the car, tucking it in your purse or pocket, turning it off, and at the very least, putting it on silent or vibrate mode.
—Frank Witsil, Freep.com, 3 July 2025
Wilson had always been a stickler in the studio, the perfectionist who kept repeating takes, bean-counters be damned, until the song felt right.
—Elias Leight, Billboard, 18 June 2025
Of course, there are some unrealistic elements in F1, moments that might have sticklers raising an eyebrow, but the film doesn’t feel any less dramatic than the real thing.
—Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 17 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for stickler
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stickler
Noun
-
But Muir’s co-moderator, Linsey Davis, was a different case: Davis wore a mannish, gray suit jacket and struck a pose of martinet — almost schoolmarmish — solemnity.—
Armond White,
National Review,
20 Sep. 2024
-
There’s Cece’s father, long vanished; Ronnie, a predator; Marcel, a martinet; Joel, a manipulator; and a random catcaller in the street, whom Cece sends scurrying away by turning her acting skills to practical use.—
Richard Brody,
The New Yorker,
12 June 2024
Noun
-
Mitevska also refuses to sanctify Mother Teresa more than necessary, instead portraying her as a strict disciplinarian who believed in organizational practicality as much as in the inherent holiness of children.—
Ritesh Mehta,
IndieWire,
27 Aug. 2025
-
By several accounts, Xi was a ferocious disciplinarian.—
Nicholas Creel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 June 2025
Noun
-
The mercurial chef was a stern taskmaster who demanded the absolute best from everyone who worked for him.—
Kori Rumore,
Chicago Tribune,
31 Aug. 2025
-
Work is work, and there’s writerly reward, too, in daily encounters with a diverse range of taskmasters across all social groups.—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
29 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
In turn, the criticizer is made out to be overreacting.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
7 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
In a recent interview, Wright shared his thoughts on the controversy generated by comic book purists who were critical of his casting for a role that had been played by white men previously.—
Armando Tinoco,
Deadline,
2 Sep. 2025
-
Less Buzz, More Intention The coffee world still has its purists.—
Lyssanoel Frater,
USA Today,
28 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Stickler.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stickler. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share