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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 Six adults and a child were rescued from the water, but three children recovered from the lake after an intensive search were unresponsive to exhaustive lifesaving measures administered as soon as they were found, police said. — Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026 Raymond said on Friday that an exhaustive review of video surveillance footage from the days leading up to the explosion allegedly captured Berezovk making several reconnaissance visits to the building. — Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 3 July 2026 Last winter, before launching a series of public polls on the 2025 Democratic primary race for mayor of New York, our firm conducted an exhaustive analysis of the NYC Board of Elections voter file, examining primary turnout trends across multiple years under different political scenarios. — Bradley Honan, New York Daily News, 28 June 2026 In 2024 in Miami-Dade County, housing for a single adult cost $1,892 per month, food $549, transportation $424, healthcare $189, and that's not an exhaustive list of necessities — the monthly total, factoring in additional expenses, came to $3,982. — Sarah Perkel, USA Today, 24 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for exhaustive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exhaustive
  1. thorough
  2. comprehensive
  3. extensive
  4. full
  5. complete
Adjective
  • Each specimen was weighed and put in the same-sized containers filled with superworm larvae to determine the optimal ratio of larvae to specimen for thorough cleaning without damaging bones.
    — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 1 July 2026
  • Those subtle cues usually reveal whether housekeeping is thorough or simply surface-level.
    — Molly Burford, Southern Living, 1 July 2026
Definition of thorough
Adjective
  • Always consult your vet for comprehensive advice on managing pet anxiety.
    — Jen Reeder, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
  • For the dedicated enthusiast, the Wright Around Chicago bus tour, operated by the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust, is a comprehensive day out.
    — Maya Chawla, Architectural Digest, 1 July 2026
Definition of comprehensive
Adjective
  • But the projects often require extensive structural, plumbing, mechanical and redesign work that can make the project more complicated than building new housing from scratch.
    — Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 8 July 2026
  • Canonization is the process through which a deceased individual may become a saint, or is confirmed through an extensive research process to be in heaven.
    — Vivian Wilson, Twin Cities, 8 July 2026
Definition of extensive
Adjective
  • But Claus also did not see anything on the field, at full speed, to warrant a card at all, let alone a red.
    — Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
  • Knoxville goalkeeper Johan Garibay stole a Boise goal in the 37th minute, making a full-extension, diving save of a rocket from Thomas Amang.
    — Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 3 July 2026
Definition of full
Adjective
  • Roupp fought to stay in the game and record the first complete game of his career, but at 104 pitches, Vitello went to his bullpen to seal the blowout win instead of pushing his starter.
    — Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 7 July 2026
  • These days, a complete Wirkkala set can fetch upwards of $3,600.
    — Jessica Salter, CNN Money, 7 July 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 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on exhaustive

Nglish: Translation of exhaustive for Spanish Speakers

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