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 For companies without a data retention plan, a thorough data inventory often uncovers personal information that has been accumulating across systems for years. — Jodi Daniels, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026 Here’s how to give your toilets a daily or weekly cleaning and steps for a more thorough deep cleaning every month. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 17 Aug. 2026 Initially, patients should have a thorough conversation with their physicians about the benefits and risks of GLP-1s — especially if patients are broadly healthy and are interested in the drugs for mostly cosmetic reasons. — Jessica Starr, Fortune, 14 Aug. 2026 The tragedy is the deadliest fire in North Macedonian history, and led to a thorough inspection of similar venues countrywide, with dozens of entertainment venues shut down. — Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 14 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
  • Craig said construction of the first stage of the Jansen potash project in Saskatchewan was 84% complete.
    — Tim Treadgold, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
  • But a complete turnover on defense, coupled with nonconference games at Georgia Tech and Northwestern, will lead to another losing season, after which both sides move in different directions.
    — Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of complete
Adjective
  • That could change an early stage of mineral exploration, where companies must decide where to spend money collecting more detailed data and drilling test wells.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 20 Aug. 2026
  • OpenAI’s detailed, self-critical account of pausing its own model functions as a claim to that same safety-conscious ground, whether or not that was the intent behind it.
    — Ashish Bhatia, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of detailed
Adjective
  • Attorneys general from California, Colorado, Kentucky and New Jersey are seeking extensive financial damages plus changes to how the company operates Facebook and Instagram.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Its analysis points to the extensive redesign work required to accommodate steam catapults, including their machinery, piping, water requirements and integration with the carrier’s existing electrical and internal systems.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of extensive
Adjective
  • Today, some are convincing enough to fool experts, helped along by a market where documentation is scarce and comprehensive catalogs and archives are rare.
    — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Receive a comprehensive breakdown of talent showcasing this year by signing up for our Comedy Means Business newsletter at this link.
    — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of comprehensive
Adjective
  • With other phones, even something simple like replacing an aging battery often requires melting adhesive, prying apart fragile glass panels, and decoupling cables.
    — Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 18 Aug. 2026
  • For a generation that grew up under those glowing Pizza Hut pendants, the appeal is simple.
    — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of simple
Adjective
  • The full results of the clinical trial have yet to be released, but the preliminary findings are exciting.
    — Tom Price, Washington Post, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The school will hold full classes and provide lunch and take-home dinners for its students, parents, and staff who are waking up in the dark yet again on Friday.
    — Laura Bannon, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of full
Adjective
  • The film’s characters participate in an exhaustive dance competition, competing for a hefty cash prize.
    — Amina Ayoud, Footwear News, 15 Aug. 2026
  • The non-exhaustive sum of events within this time frame included winning Best New Artist at the Grammy Awards and scoring two Top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100.
    — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of exhaustive
Adjective
  • Hinckley launched a music career after being granted unconditional release in 2022, but found some concert venues weren’t receptive to hosting his performances.
    — Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • In one room, Catherine is getting promises of unconditional love and affection from Alden, a man who would never harm her.
    — Erin Qualey, Vulture, 10 Aug. 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 22 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of thorough for Spanish Speakers

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