thorough

adjective

ˈthər-(ˌ)ō How to pronounce thorough (audio)
Definition of thoroughnext
1
as in complete
having no exceptions or restrictions had thorough access to the files for her research

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in detailed
including many small descriptive features thorough analysis of the current crisis in Asia

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in extensive
trying all possibilities a thorough search of the office that turned up no evidence of wrongdoing

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4
as in comprehensive
covering everything or all important points a very thorough textbook on respiratory disorders

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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 thorough Due to its high-quality cards and thorough, varied content, the Learning Resources Calendar & Weather Pocket Chart is the best pick. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 21 July 2026 Current regulations often lack specific guidelines on what constitutes a thorough review, potentially leading to inadequate oversight. — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026 These processes have been developed over decades in the effort to ensure a thorough and fair process. — Brynn Tannehill, The Atlantic, 21 July 2026 Give your plant a thorough inspection before bringing it indoors. — Colleen Sullivan, Martha Stewart, 21 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for thorough
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thorough
  1. complete
  2. detailed
  3. extensive
  4. comprehensive
  5. simple
  6. full
  7. exhaustive
  8. unconditional
Adjective
  • Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s third career complete game was the highlight of the win in Game 1 of a doubleheader on Sunday.
    — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 20 July 2026
  • The robots perform a complete workflow, including collecting materials, placing components with precision, interacting with inspection equipment and returning finished products.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 20 July 2026
Definition of complete
Adjective
  • Do not undergo or pay for any treatment before reading detailed documentation of the procedure.
    — Ella Moore July 23, Miami Herald, 23 July 2026
  • Razer Viper Gaming Mouse Deal Weighing just 55 grams, the Razer Viper V3 Pro transitions effortlessly from detailed design projects and study sessions to competitive after-class gaming.
    — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 22 July 2026
Definition of detailed
Adjective
  • Leading firms are actively recruiting professionals with extensive client-side experience to enhance service delivery.
    — Will Johnson, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
  • Burke’s lawyers sought to expose weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, questioning why investigators had not conducted more extensive testing, including DNA analysis, on certain items found in Burke’s home or on the exterior of his Tesla.
    — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 21 July 2026
Definition of extensive
Adjective
  • The memorandum likewise directs the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Forces to coordinate a comprehensive national strategy to investigate, prosecute and disrupt entities and individuals.
    — Jason M. Blazakis, The Conversation, 22 July 2026
  • This is a true, comprehensive measure of popular sentiment, genuinely and organically posted, about each company’s approach to innovation.
    — Heather Newman, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
Definition of comprehensive
Adjective
  • One solution would be a relatively simple expansion of the southern end of the Stadium of Light to mirror the height of the west and north.
    — Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • Food safety experts say a few simple habits can make a difference.
    — Olivia LaBorde, AJC.com, 21 July 2026
Definition of simple
Adjective
  • My full start-time and ring-walk breakdown has the finer timing.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 24 July 2026
  • All are one- or two-bedroom units—including three penthouses—that have soundproofed interiors, airy sitting spaces, and full kitchens.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 July 2026
Definition of full
Adjective
  • The case for the Okefenokee’s inclusion on the World Heritage List is laid out in an exhaustive, 266-page dossier.
    — Drew Kann, AJC.com, 20 July 2026
  • Some have been coming here since the 2010 World Cup, and their steady presence and exhaustive supplies of duplicates have established this as the place to go.
    — Maria Jose Gutierrez-Chavez, Curbed, 17 July 2026
Definition of exhaustive
Adjective
  • Crocker, who survived the 1983 bombing of the US embassy in Beirut, Lebanon, said that at this point an unconditional opening of the Strait of Hormuz to all maritime traffic should be the objective.
    — Monica Haider, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
  • Ramp, the corporate card and expense management company backed by Iconiq and valued at $44 billion, is now Senra’s largest advertiser and, by CEO Glyman’s own description, an unconditional backer.
    — Lily Mae Lazarus, Fortune, 5 July 2026
Definition of unconditional

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thorny
thorough
thoroughbred
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Cite this Entry

“Thorough.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thorough. Accessed 25 Jul. 2026.

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