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 Potential homes are thoroughly vetted and inspected prior to adoption. — Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 28 Sep. 2026 Along the way, flight controllers will thoroughly exercise the thrusters and their pressurization systems, putting the fixes to the test. — William Harwood, CBS News, 28 Sep. 2026 To mulch effectively, use plain brown paper bags, overlap them, water thoroughly, and avoid glossy or treated bags. — Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 27 Sep. 2026 Engel advises watering the plant thoroughly in its old location to keep the root ball intact and have moisture at the ready when the plant is moved. — Nadia Hassani, The Spruce, 26 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
  • Palestinians have been systematically dehumanized, along with the broader Arab and Muslim world, to serve the foreign policy objectives of governments without questioning the moral and legal implications.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2026
  • The Premier League announced Tuesday that its most successful club over the past 15 seasons, and current standings leader, systematically broke financial monitoring rules for years.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of systematically
Adverb
  • Resnikoff fully inhabits the role of Jaku, giving him a distinctive and consistent voice, posture and temperament.
    — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Officials said during the Oval Office event that building the pipeline will take three years and that exports of liquified natural gas would begin two years after that -- but that was dependent on financing coming through fully.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of fully
Adverb
  • The third, Surrender, is a massage performed in water, in which the buoyancy and warmth allow the body to completely relax and let go.
    — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 3 Oct. 2026
  • What’s different about this style is that its uppers are completely decorated with small, shimmering crystal details in a silvery, light-catching finish.
    — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of completely
Adverb
  • Even when Monét isn’t being quite as playful as on past releases, her personality sparkles brighter than her esteemed guests.
    — Molly Mary O’Brien, Pitchfork, 7 Oct. 2026
  • No other property in Key West captures the true resort feel quite like this.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of quite
Adverb
  • Classes were totally or partially suspended on Tuesday at 891 schools, according to the Education Ministry.
    — NICOLAS GARRIGA, Arkansas Online, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Us Weekly, which used to be a quasi-People magazine and very friendly, turned into something totally different and gossipy.
    — Matt Donnelly, Variety, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of totally
Adverb
  • Charles — my heart hurts for Charles, dead on his farm, wealthy at the time of his passing, and with utterly no one to share it with except a brother who for ten years never wrote him a letter.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Yet these anachronisms seem to make perfect sense, making these 500-year-old poems read like swift, contemporary lyrics, timeless yet utterly urgent.
    — Craig Morgan Teicher, Literary Hub, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of utterly
Adverb
  • The more casual El Mercado has a traditional adobe oven from which meats and vegetables come out perfectly cooked.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • The impact of Pickens' only two receptions in the 34-30 victory illustrates perfectly what coach Brian Schottenheimer believes about the Dallas offense.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of perfectly
Adverb
  • Wiles showed Republicans the president's upcoming travel schedule, which attendees described as extensive and almost every day, all across the country.
    — MICHELLE L. PRICE, Arkansas Online, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Banking apps, passwords and security codes can all pass through that little screen in your hand.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 2 Oct. 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 9 Oct. 2026.

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