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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 Democratic nominee Graham Platner’s withdrawal from the Maine Senate race amid new allegations underscores the critical need for the thorough vetting of corporate and political candidates. — Edward Segal, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026 Deep watering provides a slow, thorough soak that reaches the plant’s root zone rather than just the soil surface. — Heather Zidack, Hartford Courant, 11 July 2026 Positive reviews mention high-quality customer service, thorough inspections and treatments and good value for the money. — Dan Simms, USA Today, 11 July 2026 Deputies responded promptly, and the Sheriff’s Office deployed its K-9 unit to conduct a thorough search of the park. — Natalia Senanayake, PEOPLE, 10 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
  • But his dominance in the second quarter gave the Hawks complete separation from the Celtics.
    — Lauren Williams, AJC.com, 14 July 2026
  • Quench them with a copious deluge of water and stir to guarantee complete cooling.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2026
Definition of complete
Adjective
  • The thermal jiggling of atoms is a constant threat to the precision needed for detailed calculations.
    — Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 15 July 2026
  • The depth camera provided detailed information about nearby obstacles, while the LiDAR allowed the robot to detect terrain several meters ahead, giving it enough time to plan its movements at high speed.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 15 July 2026
Definition of detailed
Adjective
  • Thousands of documents released by the Justice Department showed that Ruemmler and Epstein had an extensive relationship.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 15 July 2026
  • Fire officials said the home sustained extensive damage from fire, soot, smoke, and water.
    — Adam Thompson, CBS News, 14 July 2026
Definition of extensive
Adjective
  • Our expert take The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card packs a punch for a $95 annual fee card, offering annual travel credits, comprehensive travel protections, flexible rewards and more.
    — Jason Stauffer, CNBC, 15 July 2026
  • It should be noted that there are new auctions practically every month, so the data can change quite rapidly, but the following list represents a comprehensive picture of the 25 top whiskey sales to date.
    — Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 15 July 2026
Definition of comprehensive
Adjective
  • With the bulge-bracket firms the clear winners, choosing a VC has become simpler.
    — Robert Frank, CNBC, 14 July 2026
  • The original historic rooms feature heavy drapery, regal-looking bed frames, and simple baths.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 July 2026
Definition of simple
Adjective
  • Treating sunscreen like a one-and-done application Applying sunscreen once isn’t enough for a full day spent outdoors.
    — Kaitlyn Harvey, AJC.com, 17 July 2026
  • In 2024 the Japanese giant completed its acquisition of 7-Eleven Australia to expand its presence in the country, taking full ownership of the business.
    — Jenny Lee, CNBC, 17 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 18 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of thorough for Spanish Speakers

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