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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 Those outcomes point to decades of work in personal injury law and a reputation for being thorough with case preparation. — Matt Emma, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2026 According to the lawsuit, a Venezuelan court ruled in November 2024 that there had not been a thorough criminal investigation and that the evidence was insufficient to conclude Diaz had committed a criminal act in Venezuela. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 8 Sep. 2026 Giu, however, is not as gullible as the men who work for him and gets himself to the hospital for a thorough medical. — Damon Wise, Deadline, 6 Sep. 2026 However, according to Thomason, streamlining the CEQA process for longer projects would likely result in less thorough environmental reviews across the board. — Sofia Williams, Sacbee.com, 3 Sep. 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
  • So the first question was whether a single party should ever hold a complete key, and therefore complete control over a client’s assets.
    — Sergey Stopnevich, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Election officials have said there was simply no way to carry out a complete overhaul in the weeks before the midterms.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of complete
Adjective
  • Duarte’s writing features detailed prose and a moving storyline, encompassing grief, healing, and the losses borne by a Latinx family in the name of American patriotism.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Though the bar for evidence is lower than in criminal court, judges may request detailed testimony because subjects of restraining orders can lose their jobs or the ability to see their children.
    — Connor Sheets, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of detailed
Adjective
  • One of the Roundhouse’s biggest brags is an extensive liquor collection, highlighting spirits produced in New York State.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Cutting overseas dependency China possesses extensive rubidium and cesium reserves locked inside specialty lithium ores and salt-lake brines.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of extensive
Adjective
  • The Athletic’s out today with what may be the most comprehensive look to date on college football roster spending.
    — Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Longer life, lower overhead The system’s architecture reduces its footprint by 30%, according to the company, while its 24-hour comprehensive efficiency exceeds 88%.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of comprehensive
Adjective
  • Underpinning this assessment is the fact that disagreements between the two nations have gradually expanded beyond simple tariff disputes.
    — , CNBC, 9 Sep. 2026
  • In simple terms, cherry juice targets the muscle inflammation caused by exercise, known as oxidative stress.
    — Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of simple
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, Democratic senators are demanding that Hegseth provide a full accounting of the costs of the Iran war.
    — Ben Finley, Chicago Tribune, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo ordered the immediate suspension of Niger ‌State’s ⁠NSCDC commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, pending the outcome of a full investigation.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of full
Adjective
  • But the primary focus of these chapters is the family’s frenzied social calendar, featuring exhaustive descriptions of parties, guest lists, and gowns.
    — Barbara Spindel, Christian Science Monitor, 2 Sep. 2026
  • The loan of the work to the British Museum follows a historic agreement reached between the two countries after years of negotiation, and exhaustive planning to transport it safely from its permanent home in Normandy, northern France.
    — Lianne Kolirin, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of exhaustive
Adjective
  • The unconditional quality of my love for him will not last forever, just as my brother’s did not.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 Sep. 2026
  • As the duo bond over the absurd logistics of their lethal hobby and evade detection, the series uses its heightened premise to deliver a hilarious, deeply relatable exploration of female friendship and unconditional loyalty.
    — Todd Spangler, Variety, 17 Sep. 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 20 Sep. 2026.

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