hair-trigger

adjective

Definition of hair-triggernext
as in hypersensitive

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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 hair-trigger But Halfmann suspects this hair-trigger system is needlessly killing brain cells in diseases like Alzheimer's. — Jon Hamilton, NPR, 16 Oct. 2025 The movie had moments of discordant comedy, but Sidney Lumet staged it in his hair-trigger fluorescent vérité style. — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 31 Mar. 2026 His hair-trigger homemade contraption pressured all three major networks into giving Kiritsis airtime to explain his grievances to the public. — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2026 This is a man who shows up at a bank with two dubious associates — the glowering, hair-trigger Sal (Moss-Bachrach) and, until his stomach gives out, the wobbling hot mess Ray-Ray (Christopher Sears) — and a bunch of guns. — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 31 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hair-trigger
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hair-trigger
  1. hypersensitive
  2. oversensitive
  3. precise
Adjective
  • The amount may be infinitesimal—white sugar and bottled water are sometimes purified with charred animal bones, for instance—but some hypersensitive alpha-gal patients avoid the risk anyway.
    — Burkhard Bilger, New Yorker, 29 June 2026
  • However, people who are hypersensitive to other stinging insects are at higher risk of anaphylactic response to Asian needle ant stings.
    — Eva Flowe June 26, Charlotte Observer, 26 June 2026
Definition of hypersensitive
Adjective
  • Most commenters on the TSR post agreed that Yung Miami meant no disrespect and that Lizzo was being a little oversensitive.
    — Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 26 Mar. 2025
  • The 8th and 9th are full of good energy, but everyone seems to be feeling oversensitive near the 13th.
    — Katharine Merlin, Town & Country, 1 Sep. 2023
Definition of oversensitive
Adjective
  • Researchers think this is because walking is a highly dynamic behaviour that requires precise timing across both sides of the body.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 1 July 2026
  • Financial markets depend on precise timing to synchronize transactions.
    — Mariam Sorond, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Definition of precise

Browse Nearby Words

hairstylists
hair-trigger
hairy
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Cite this Entry

“Hair-trigger.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hair-trigger. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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