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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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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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 The nation’s prime minister Pedro Sanchez has promised a full and thorough investigation. — Lars Brandle, Billboard, 30 Oct. 2026 Mercury followed suit later that month, aiding Venus’ soul-searching with its thorough detective work. — Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Oct. 2026 To keep your white towels fluffy, avoid using too much detergent, ensure thorough rinsing to remove any residue, and dry them on a low heat setting. — Anyssa Roberts, The Spruce, 28 Oct. 2026 For thorough cleaning, consider boiling the pumice stone for up to five minutes. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 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
  • Lead author Samantha Gilbert-Janizek expanded the model to include those missing systems, creating a more complete picture of how chemicals move throughout a rocky planet.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 3 Nov. 2026
  • As the Moon joins Mars in Leo, creative courage may arrive before complete confidence.
    — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of complete
Adjective
  • Related AlphaGenome 2 was trained on more than 100 million individual cell profiles across 68 tissues to give it that more detailed view.
    — Robert Hart, The Verge, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Now, a team of international researchers has developed one of the most detailed models yet of the early universe, according to a recent study published in the scientific journal Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society.
    — Taylor Nicioli, CNN Money, 11 Nov. 2026
Definition of detailed
Adjective
  • Fraser Shilling, director of the Road Ecology Center, and his team determined that extensive fencing on highways is the solution to reducing roadkill, not just wildlife crossings.
    — Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 11 Nov. 2026
  • The plan does not include crosswalks, which city spokesperson Jack VanderToll said require more extensive work such as accessible sidewalks and curb ramps.
    — Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 11 Nov. 2026
Definition of extensive
Adjective
  • This happens because cities to a large extent are bound by their comprehensive plans, which govern how land can be used.
    — Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Nov. 2026
  • The Venezuelan migrant crisis The assistance and response led by Prevost in the face of the massive arrival of Venezuelan migrants in 2018 was comprehensive and had a different vision from that of the country’s other regions.
    — Claudia Rebaza, CNN Money, 11 Nov. 2026
Definition of comprehensive
Adjective
  • Cutforth found a wide-open Riley with a simple swing pass out to the left, giving the junior running back plenty of space to showcase his speed and beat several Rams defensive backs to find the end zone.
    — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Made of large, rigid plastic panels, Hardig’s invention was designed to be weather- and insect-proof, simple to clean and maintain, and lightweight and easy to move.
    — Sarah Kuta, Popular Science, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of simple
Adjective
  • Updated for 2026, GTA VI’s Vice City is a modern cityscape full of high-rises, trendy rooftop bars, nightclubs.
    — Tom Ward, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 Nov. 2026
  • Greenstein believes the full potential of AI is only just beginning to be realized.
    — S. Sorrina Beecher, Chicago Tribune, 13 Nov. 2026
Definition of full
Adjective
  • Like the rest of us, Pierce Brosnan has been following the seemingly endless and exhaustive search for the next James Bond.
    — Wengel Gemu, Vanity Fair, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Those are the findings of an exhaustive new survey published in Nature Cities, in which researchers used satellite radar to track 465 urban areas of more than a million people from 2014 to 2023.
    — Sanidhya Sharma, Scientific American, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of exhaustive
Adjective
  • Fans felt Zac held Jen back from her full potential on Dancing With the Stars, comparing her to Whitney Leavitt, who had unconditional support from her husband, Conner Leavitt.
    — Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 12 Nov. 2026
  • Liberation begins with the unconditional release of all political prisoners, the exit of the Castro family and its generals from power, and an end to repression.
    — Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 11 Nov. 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 15 Nov. 2026.

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