1
as in complete
having no exceptions or restrictions
had thorough access to the files for her research
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Smith said the school takes all reports seriously and is conducting a thorough investigation.
—
Kansas City Star, 8 Jan. 2026
After the hearing and outside the courtroom, Reddington called Sullivan a thorough judge who was taking Clancy’s physical and mental condition seriously.
—Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 7 Jan. 2026
Footwear News’ global network of editors has carefully curated all product selections featured using our expansive brand knowledge and thorough research to find quality, long-lasting items.
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 7 Jan. 2026
Some wore shirts demanding more thorough investigations into the failures from the fire’s response.
—Melissa Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for thorough
Kansas City Star, 8 Jan. 2026
After the hearing and outside the courtroom, Reddington called Sullivan a thorough judge who was taking Clancy’s physical and mental condition seriously.
—Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 7 Jan. 2026
Footwear News’ global network of editors has carefully curated all product selections featured using our expansive brand knowledge and thorough research to find quality, long-lasting items.
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 7 Jan. 2026
Some wore shirts demanding more thorough investigations into the failures from the fire’s response.
—Melissa Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for thorough
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thorough
Adjective
-
Foden has improved the defensive side of his game to the point that Guardiola trusts him to play a more complete role in the centre of the pitch, but going with such a fluid line-up does risk exposing City on the counter.—
Andy Jones,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
-
And no list of holiday musts is complete without Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, one of the earliest creations of the beloved production company.—
Randall Colburn,
Entertainment Weekly,
8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
The Associated Press learned the identities of four of the men - and pieced together details about at least five others - who were slain, providing the first detailed account of those who died in the strikes.—
NPR,
NPR,
8 Nov. 2025
-
His views of their unconventional garments are painterly and romantic—expressionist evocations rather than detailed transcriptions of the clothes.—
Vince Aletti,
New Yorker,
8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
The extensive archaeological study covered an area of over three-quarters of a mile.—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
8 Nov. 2025
-
His work has been so extensive, France’s minister of culture awarded him the prestigious Chevalier de l’ordre des Arts et des Lettres this year.—
Paige Reddinger,
Robb Report,
8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Nominees will be put through a comprehensive and rigorous process of researching and scoring across a wide range of quantitative and qualitative criteria, including scalability, revenue and user growth, and the use of breakthrough technology.—
CNBC.com staff,
CNBC,
6 Jan. 2026
-
In an important essay, Andrew Sullivan noted this past fall that Trump’s indecency is comprehensive in style and substance.—
Jeffrey Goldberg,
The Atlantic,
6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
According to Bruce Blair, a former Air Force launch officer and nuclear policy expert, between 1962 and the mid-1970s the most powerful digits on the globe were simple – eight zeros.—
Charlotte Reck,
CNN Money,
9 Nov. 2025
-
That something as simple as a COVID vaccine might improve survival in cancer patients receiving standard immunotherapy has taken oncologists by surprise — in a good way.—
Lisa Jarvis,
Twin Cities,
8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
The governor is expected to touch on some budget priorities in his speech, which will come Thursday, one day before state financial officials publish his full spending plan on Friday.—
Lia Russell,
Sacbee.com,
8 Jan. 2026
-
From long-haul flights to full days on your feet, ballerina sneakers deliver.—
Nicol Natale,
PEOPLE,
8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
This list is not exhaustive, and airport officials urge travelers to check directly with airlines to see whether their flights are on time or canceled.—
Alysa Guffey,
IndyStar,
6 Nov. 2025
-
In her exhaustive chronicle, Jennings traces the long folkloric history of monk-tormenting demons.—
JSTOR Daily,
JSTOR Daily,
31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
The Hour of the Wolf is a far-ranging memoir about motherhood, art, family, and the way that a dog’s unconditional love can offer a rare opportunity for healing.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
6 Jan. 2026
-
The state recently launched a project providing unconditional monthly checks — averaging $500 — to families who have abused or neglected their children.—
Sarah A. Font,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Thorough.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thorough. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share