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thoroughly

adverb

ˈthər-(ˌ)ō-lē How to pronounce thoroughly (audio)
Definition of thoroughlynext
1
as in systematically
with attention to all aspects or details they researched the issue thoroughly before deciding how to vote

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in fully
to a full extent or degree I am thoroughly satisfied with her explanation of the events of that evening

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 thoroughly Go back over the countertops with a clean, damp cloth, then dry them thoroughly. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 8 Sep. 2026 Since 1998, when his indie drama Slam bagged the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance and the Caméra d’Or at Cannes, the poet, rapper, musician, actor, and director has had a thoroughly fascinating, not to mention utterly unique, career. — Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 8 Sep. 2026 Take the time, then, to thoroughly research your options to see what's available. — Matt Richardson, CBS News, 8 Sep. 2026 Spray the faucet, sink, and countertops with a multipurpose cleaner, then scrub thoroughly. — Kate Van Pelt, The Spruce, 6 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for thoroughly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thoroughly
  1. systematically
  2. fully
  3. completely
  4. quite
  5. totally
  6. utterly
  7. perfectly
  8. all
Adverb
  • The film also contains allegations that Israel is systematically destroying homes in Gaza to create a wasteland that will prevent Palestinians from ever returning.
    — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Luigi Mangione had allegedly just shot the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, an insurance company—not my own—that had been systematically denying patients care.
    — Elizabeth Nicholas, Vanity Fair, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of systematically
Adverb
  • By all accounts, Jackson has fully bought into first-year Ravens offensive coordinator Declan Doyle and that traditionally means dynamic results will follow.
    — Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • This is the song’s first award nomination and her first fully country track since the original Red era.
    — Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of fully
Adverb
  • Terrorism wasn’t a completely foreign concept, but the notion of a hostile, coordinated attack on our soil, at that scale, seemed like something that might only happen in a Tom Clancy novel or a summer blockbuster movie.
    — Michael Silver, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Meanwhile, the union representing 8,000 Stellantis employees said contract negotiations have completely stalled over that same plant.
    — Liam Rappleye, Freep.com, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of completely
Adverb
  • But Argano, who drives Engine 10, isn't quite ready to pack it in.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 11 Sep. 2026
  • The concept of growing sod on plastic is one the NFL has really relied on quite heavily to be able to have the level of quality and the ability to turn around and replace a field midseason.
    — Tim Graham, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of quite
Adverb
  • Dorothy and Jillian were also in disbelief, but totally engaged.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Ryans and the executives were totally convicted, saw Anderson as a force multiplier as both a player and a person and acted accordingly.
    — Jourdan Rodrigue, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of totally
Adverb
  • And yet, when Szumowska and Englert portray Fyodor’s reaction to the couple’s pregnancy, the birth of their child, and a subsequent tragedy, Anna’s adoration for this utterly flawed man almost feels justified.
    — Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026
  • The result is an utterly unique tile that celebrates its imperfections and is widely requested for modern bathrooms and kitchens.
    — Alexandra Kelly, Martha Stewart, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of utterly
Adverb
  • In some ways Bartlow mirrors the choice of some fine dining chefs in Spain to trade perfectly plated still lifes for deep, homey flavors that cover every inch of the table.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Why do some humorous attempts land perfectly while others fail?
    — Norbert Schwarz, Harvard Business Review, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of perfectly
Adverb
  • His strategy at United has been all about proving that an airline can be something more.
    — Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 11 Sep. 2026
  • There was a brief spell last summer when Forest could have fielded an all-Brazilian back four and goalkeeper.
    — Paul Taylor, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of all

Browse Nearby Words

thoroughgoing
thoroughly
thoroughness
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Cite this Entry

“Thoroughly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thoroughly. Accessed 15 Sep. 2026.

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