exhaustive

adjective

ig-ˈzȯ-stiv How to pronounce exhaustive (audio)
Definition of exhaustivenext
1
as in thorough
trying all possibilities after an exhaustive search of our house, we still hadn't found the cat

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in comprehensive
covering everything or all important points an exhaustive survey of the nation's sexual habits

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 exhaustive Maybe everyone was too quick to assume that the Dallas’ exhaustive defensive issues from a season ago were fixed. — Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Sep. 2026 Capability mapping does not need to begin as an exhaustive exercise. — Kevin Chan, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2026 Gibney’s research is exhaustive even if his access didn’t turn out to be. — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 8 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 See All Example Sentences for exhaustive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exhaustive
  1. thorough
  2. comprehensive
  3. extensive
  4. full
  5. complete
Adjective
  • Excellent, from the thorough and intuitive spa therapists, to the engaging and sweet girls who run the kids’ club, the generous ice-cream scoopers at the Haagen-Dazs counter, and the nothing-is-too-much-trouble front desk.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • The next step was finding a director; according to sources, the search was thorough with not only Black Label and Thunder Road producers meeting potential candidates but the lead cast having their own meetings as well.
    — Justin Kroll, Deadline, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of thorough
Adjective
  • By comparison, human advisors can build a comprehensive financial plan — including investing, taxes, insurance, retirement planning, estate planning and more — based on your specific goals.
    — Kate Dore, CFP®, EA,Kelli Grant, CFP®, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Months later, Straker delivered a comprehensive menu—and when the doors opened, Casa Cruz became London’s hottest restaurant.
    — Elise Taylor, Vanity Fair, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of comprehensive
Adjective
  • While the property’s extensive and expensive renovation has elevated nearly every corner of the resort, the room doors appear to have been overlooked.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Contact the treating clinician promptly for worsening pain, spreading redness or warmth, pus-like drainage, fever, extensive blistering, eye symptoms, or a reaction substantially more severe than described.
    — Malana VanTyler, Miami Herald, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of extensive
Adjective
  • This is a play full of people trying very hard to be there for each other and discovering what makes that difficult.
    — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Will movie nights and electric go-kart tracks suffice to keep CWG’s buildings full if, as some predict, AI renders large numbers of office jobs redundant?
    — Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of full
Adjective
  • Cupping treatments come in detoxifying and cellulite targeting versions, and there's a complete slate of massage, sugaring, waxing, aromatherapy, and hair and makeup options.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Although Koerte believes Europe needs to develop greater AI capabilities, complete sovereignty remains a pipe dream.
    — Sam Forsdick, Fortune, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of complete

Browse Nearby Words

exhaustion
exhaustive
exhaustively
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Cite this Entry

“Exhaustive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exhaustive. Accessed 10 Oct. 2026.

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