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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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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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 Despite that thorough deep dive and plenty of work in camp, the power play came out flat. — Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2026 However, conservative commentators have used the Cornell incident to caution against playing judge, jury, and executioner without allowing a thorough investigation. — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 1 Oct. 2026 Everett is meticulous and thorough, if eccentric, carefully considering all kinds of little details for his character. — Kyle MacLachlan, HollywoodReporter, 29 Sep. 2026 Loubier is expected to exit Delvaux at the end of the year after a thorough handover period. — Miles Socha, Footwear News, 28 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
  • 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
Adjective
  • That said, even the most detailed traceability records have their limitations.
    — Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2026
  • As detailed in a recent report in trade journal Builder, food and drink have become front and center at some properties.
    — Lew Sichelman, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of detailed
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
  • 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
  • That single choice unleashes a harrowing chain of strange and terrifying events in the dead of night, turning a simple gesture of kindness into a real-life nightmare.
    — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Waffles and pimento Another enduring element of Chick-fil-A is its famously simple menu.
    — Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of simple
Adjective
  • The Russian strikes forcing the full or partial closure of three of Kyiv's six road bridges caused traffic logjams and appeared to be a new tactic in its campaign to torment the city's residents.
    — HANNA ARHIROVA, Arkansas Online, 3 Oct. 2026
  • The Russian strikes forcing the full or partial closure of three of Kyiv’s six road bridges caused traffic logjams and appeared to be a new tactic in its campaign to torment the city’s residents.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of full
Adjective
  • Because space and defense qualification cycles require multiple years of exhaustive safety and performance certifications, switching to a cheaper competitor is highly frictional for a prime contractor.
    — Harvey Stober, CNBC, 2 Oct. 2026
  • The New York Times‘ exhaustive list of the best TV shows of the 21st century traces its origin to a similar list of the best books a couple years ago.
    — Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of exhaustive
Adjective
  • South Korea has not given the project an unconditional green light and says its participation will depend on the economics.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov repeated Moscow's demand for a comprehensive peace deal, not a temporary break in hostilities, following Ukraine's call for a complete and unconditional ceasefire.
    — HANNA ARHIROVA, Arkansas Online, 25 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 9 Oct. 2026.

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