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 Perform a thorough inspection around doors, windows, screens, pipes, wires, and foundation and seal any small gaps with silicone. — Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 5 July 2026 This one test is what separates a thorough process from a lazy one. — Lien De Pau, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026 As the search continued, investigators recovered additional human remains from Lake Mattoon before identifying the victim as Turner through what officials described as a thorough investigation. — Angelique Brenes, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026 But vets can connect with experts at state agriculture departments who have more expertise in identifying screwworm for a more thorough assessment. — Alice Park, Time, 2 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
  • Roupp fought to stay in the game and record the first complete game of his career, but at 104 pitches, Vitello went to his bullpen to seal the blowout win instead of pushing his starter.
    — Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 7 July 2026
  • These days, a complete Wirkkala set can fetch upwards of $3,600.
    — Jessica Salter, CNN Money, 7 July 2026
Definition of complete
Adjective
  • As impeccably detailed as his movies can be, Anderson acknowledges that his method can still be a bit vague.
    — Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
  • Easily one of the best Paul McCartney solo albums of the 21st century, The Boys of Dungeon Lane offers a detailed primer on the pop-culture and sociopolitical circumstances that set off the British Invasion and Beatlemania in the ’60s.
    — Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 8 July 2026
Definition of detailed
Adjective
  • But the projects often require extensive structural, plumbing, mechanical and redesign work that can make the project more complicated than building new housing from scratch.
    — Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 8 July 2026
  • Canonization is the process through which a deceased individual may become a saint, or is confirmed through an extensive research process to be in heaven.
    — Vivian Wilson, Twin Cities, 8 July 2026
Definition of extensive
Adjective
  • Since the warehouse fire is so recent and cleanup has just begun, Jegede said the precise impact on gardens can’t be measured until comprehensive soil tests are conducted in the area.
    — Christopher Buchanan, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
  • According to the National Endowment for the Arts, which conducts the most comprehensive survey of the nation’s reading habits, fewer than half of all adults reported having read a book of any kind in 2022.
    — Rose Horowitch, The Atlantic, 8 July 2026
Definition of comprehensive
Adjective
  • There are just a few simple ingredients brought together in minutes.
    — Linda Gassenheimer, Boston Herald, 8 July 2026
  • Even fixtures that feel more suited to a dining room or entryway can work beautifully when paired with simple vanity lighting.
    — Marisa Suzanne Martin, The Spruce, 8 July 2026
Definition of simple
Adjective
  • The groomer parks in your driveway or at your curb, brings your dog into the vehicle and handles the full appointment on-site.
    — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 10 July 2026
  • Huffman was 19 and enrolled at UC Santa Barbara on a full-ride volleyball scholarship.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
Definition of full
Adjective
  • Six adults and a child were rescued from the water, but three children recovered from the lake after an intensive search were unresponsive to exhaustive lifesaving measures administered as soon as they were found, police said.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
  • Raymond said on Friday that an exhaustive review of video surveillance footage from the days leading up to the explosion allegedly captured Berezovk making several reconnaissance visits to the building.
    — Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 3 July 2026
Definition of exhaustive
Adjective
  • 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
  • At its deepest level, this work is fueled by unconditional love—not sentimental or passive love but love as discipline, courage and commitment.
    — Yujia Zhu, Forbes.com, 2 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 11 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of thorough for Spanish Speakers

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