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 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
  • The detailed report, based on decades of records, notes that the findings discussed in that meeting did not enter mainstream debates earlier because much of it was written originally in German.
    — Daniel Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026
  • The companies have not provided a detailed deployment schedule or specified how many sites will become operational in the first phase.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of detailed
Adjective
  • An extensive breakfast buffet is served in SINEDIE alongside a la carte options such as eggs royale.
    — Jaymi McCann, TheWeek, 3 Nov. 2026
  • On Djerba Island, meanwhile, beaches and extensive resort infrastructure make combining an eclipse chase with a conventional Mediterranean vacation particularly easy — with a view of Mos Eisley thrown in for good measure.
    — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of extensive
Adjective
  • Beyond its adoption areas and dedicated kitten facility, the state-of-the-art building is fully equipped to handle comprehensive feline care, featuring a feline behavior department, examination rooms, and grooming facilities.
    — Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Florida’s Digital Bill of Rights recognizes sensitive biometric information, but its comprehensive access, deletion and opt-out rights target a narrow class of very large advertising and technology businesses.
    — Burak Oktenli, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of comprehensive
Adjective
  • According to Fulton County jail records, New has been arrested multiple times on suspicion of crimes including identity theft, insurance fraud, financial transaction card fraud, forgery and simple assault.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Nov. 2026
  • For this black jeans outfit idea, wear your go-to pair with a simple, breathable Oxford shirt that’s ideal for the office or dinner dates alike.
    — India Roby, Glamour, 1 Nov. 2026
Definition of simple
Adjective
  • The group previously proved a special case of the conjecture in August 2026 and is preparing a shorter exposition of PSI’s full proof for other experts.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2026
  • These two tapes, though, are like watching a full playoff game, the early-season jitters and mishaps gone.
    — Grayson Haver Currin, Pitchfork, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of full
Adjective
  • 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
  • The Jets conducted an exhaustive search for their coach and general manager in 2025, and Johnson could entrust Mougey with those decisions this time.
    — Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of exhaustive
Adjective
  • El-Sayed has called Israel’s war in Gaza a genocide and called for an end to unconditional military aid.
    — Erin Cox, Washington Post, 1 Nov. 2026
  • In the primary, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee courted Ford for a possible endorsement but ultimately found policy differences with him, Ford said, including his declining to support unconditional military aid to Israel.
    — Olivia Olander, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 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 8 Nov. 2026.

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