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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Tracking top Wall Street analysts can help investors shortlist attractive dividend stocks, as these experts provide useful insights after thorough analysis of a company’s financials and growth prospects. — Tipranks.com, CNBC, 2 Aug. 2026 After county planning officials issued a report stating construction wouldn’t impact the environment, Fish and Game countered, saying the report wasn’t thorough, and a qualified biologist will have to survey the site. — Bay City News, Mercury News, 1 Aug. 2026 Civil rights and criminal justice experts interviewed by the Observer say the police owe it to the community to do a thorough investigation and offer transparency, given the history of Black people being lynched in the South. — Caitlin McGlade, Charlotte Observer, 31 July 2026 While Schreier and Marvel execs have been meeting and auditioning actors for a number of roles, with the Frost character appearing to elicit the most thorough search among the new cast. — Justin Kroll, Deadline, 31 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
  • The cargo vessel struck by an unknown projectile in the Strait of Hormuz north of Oman suffered a complete blackout, according to a report from the Marisks maritime risk management group.
    — Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Once their spring blooms are complete, Aggrey meticulously collects the seed pods from the clarkias, gilias and phacelias, processes the seeds and packages them for gifting before the subsequent spring.
    — Pedro Moura, Los Angeles Times, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of complete
Adjective
  • But opposition voices and even Spain’s defense minister have asked for Morocco to give a more detailed explanation on its response to the crisis, which was fueled by social media posts encouraging people to cross the frontier.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 5 Aug. 2026
  • While Juno was initially built to study the inner workings of Jupiter, its camera recorded the first detailed video of the planet's clouds and atmosphere.
    — Tariq Malik, Space.com, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of detailed
Adjective
  • There’s also an swanky Indian restaurant, Indian Accent, for authentic upscale dishes and an extensive global wine list.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Over the past few years, Boots has been delving into its extensive data to test and try products and began introducing stand-alone beauty retail concepts, the latest of which opened in Bristol earlier this month.
    — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of extensive
Adjective
  • Lake Station will modernize its comprehensive plan, zoning code, and economic development strategy to unlock development and investment potential.
    — Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026
  • The ultimate goal was to establish a permissible exposure limit for humans on the Red Planet by compiling a comprehensive set of expert perspectives regarding Martian dust toxicology, exposure pathways and mitigation strategies.
    — Leonard David, Space.com, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of comprehensive
Adjective
  • Abernathy Greenway Park walk with Trees Atlanta Take a walk through the park with a Trees Atlanta docent, who will teach simple tricks for telling trees apart and share stories about why trees are important and how to protect them.
    — Mary Caldwell, AJC.com, 4 Aug. 2026
  • The Oldest Person in the World takes an ostensibly simple premise and explores its deeper resonance.
    — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of simple
Adjective
  • In the June 2 primary to fill the full term starting next year, the state senator received about 38% of the vote compared to Hernandez’s 17%.
    — Kyle Martin, Mercury News, 7 Aug. 2026
  • For now, though, Denver appears focused on preserving Bo Nix’s favorite target for a full-strength playoff run.
    — Luca Evans, Denver Post, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of full
Adjective
  • From the Great Hall draped in banners honouring legends from the past that welcomes fans through to the exhaustive Yankee Museum, reminders of the team’s glorious past are everywhere.
    — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 30 July 2026
  • The Netflix film also highlights the FBI’s expansive, exhaustive search for Kaczynski, led by agent Joanne Miller, played by Shailene Woodley.
    — Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 29 July 2026
Definition of exhaustive
Adjective
  • My love is unconditional and nothing will separate me from your cheesy beefy burrito and avocado chicken stacker.
    — Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 31 July 2026
  • Each fellow will also retain the unconditional right to publish in any journal, even if the findings are critical of Polymarket.
    — Camila Grigera Naón, Fortune, 29 July 2026
Definition of unconditional

Browse Nearby Words

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 8 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on thorough

Nglish: Translation of thorough for Spanish Speakers

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