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

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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 After a thorough cleanse and gua sha to encourage lymphatic drainage, Galina smooths on a cooling mask and leaves it to work its magic while turning her attention to my scalp. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Aug. 2026 According to the official, the White House conducts thorough reviews of all clemency requests, with the president as the ultimate decision-maker. — Ingrid Vasquez, PEOPLE, 22 Aug. 2026 Yet the Hoosiers’ march to the top was also thorough and conclusive. — Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026 Because the watermark degrades with more thorough editing or in shorter samples of text, its usefulness may also be uneven depending on the department or assignment. — Christopher Rim, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 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
  • Before her full staging was complete, friends connected her with women who had early-stage breast cancer.
    — Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Based on SweetNight Lab test results, the complete system delivers sleep comfort that's up to 11° cooler.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of complete
Adjective
  • There are no surprises, only faithful responses to the driver’s inputs and an abundance of detailed feedback.
    — Bradley Iger, ArsTechnica, 26 Aug. 2026
  • To get a better understanding of who this individual was, researchers have spent the past few years conducting a detailed analysis of the remains’ DNA and isotopes, and the chemical properties of the metallic artefacts and the decorative band.
    — Mike McRae August 25, New Atlas, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of detailed
Adjective
  • Police said the home was immediately secured as a crime scene and investigators began the extensive work of documenting the scene, collecting evidence, conducting interviews and pursuing leads.
    — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Customers can upload their own photos, or choose artworks from an extensive online gallery before selecting all of the details, including size, material, matting, and glazing.
    — Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of extensive
Adjective
  • The town is now essentially a real-world study for scientists, after comprehensive data was gathered over a year back in 2007.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Problems with standardized assessments The most comprehensive measure of adult literacy levels is the Survey of Adult Skills, which is part of a larger international assessment known as the PIAAC.
    — Jennifer D. Kobrin, The Conversation, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of comprehensive
Adjective
  • Waist circumference is one simple way to estimate visceral fat.
    — Faye Chiu, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026
  • From a straightforward season-long points race to giving the points leader a cushion on the leaderboard, and now the simple format of awarding the FedEx Cup to the winner of the Tour Championship, the postseason has long needed a boost.
    — Mark Harris OutKick, FOXNews.com, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of simple
Adjective
  • In the current setup, teams select players that other teams leave unprotected and then must carry that player on their big-league roster for a full year.
    — Evan Drellich, New York Times, 28 Aug. 2026
  • That income limit is a cliff — earning a dollar over the limit generally means paying the full, unsubsidized premium.
    — Sarah Agostino, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of full
Adjective
  • Upon downloading the app and creating an account, I was asked to select four starter animals from an exhaustive list.
    — Greta Cross, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Despite exhaustive testing, experts could not figure out exactly why Jackie was so ill.
    — Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of exhaustive
Adjective
  • Bail was set at $40,000 unconditional or $20,000 with conditions, the county attorney’s office said Friday.
    — Austin Mullen, NBC news, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Forgo those weapons, as the Iranians have done until now, and the result is destruction, attempts at regime change, and demands for unconditional surrender.
    — Tom Nichols, The Atlantic, 20 Aug. 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 29 Aug. 2026.

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