THOROUGH Synonyms: 199 Similar and Opposite Words

thorough

adjective

ˈthər-(ˌ)ō

Definition of thorough

as in complete

having no exceptions or restrictions had thorough access to the files for her research

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in detailed

including many small descriptive features thorough analysis of the current crisis in Asia

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in extensive

trying all possibilities a thorough search of the office that turned up no evidence of wrongdoing

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in comprehensive

covering everything or all important points a very thorough textbook on respiratory disorders

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 thorough Rather than straightforward realism, Corn shows American Gothic to be the product of a thorough engagement with pattern and form. — Kelly Presutti, ARTnews.com, 23 Oct. 2026 But eventually, Eisenkot would disappoint any overseas Israel supporters who expect a thorough reversal of Netanyahu’s foreign and Palestinian policies. — Aluf Benn, Foreign Affairs, 23 Oct. 2026 The mayor’s office has implemented a tiny fraction of the efficiencies identified by a thorough Ernst & Young report on opportunities for such prior to last year’s budget drama. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026 Start your winter prep by giving them a thorough soak to ensure their roots are well-hydrated for the colder months ahead. — Macie Stump, Southern Living, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for thorough

Recent Examples of Synonyms for thorough

Adjective

Ethiopia’s coffee authority is compiling data, but the process is not complete.

— Damian Zane, semafor.com, 26 Oct. 2026
In practice, that can look like AI pulling together updates from ticketing systems, documentation, source control and incident platforms to give teams a more complete view of progress and risk.

— Joel Burleson-Davis, Forbes.com, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of complete

Adjective

Adding to the bronze structure is a detailed blossom decoration featuring 925 sterling silver and 24K gold accents.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 21 Oct. 2026
After a detailed briefing with an ATI staff member, I was kitted out with a folder packed with maps, a Namibian cell phone pre-programmed with key contacts, and a first-aid kit.

— Samantha Falewée, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of detailed

Adjective

The certification follows extensive safety assessments, design reviews, and ground testing.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 21 Oct. 2026
China has backed its ambitions with extensive reforms that are explicitly meant to strengthen intellectual property protections.

— Andrei Iancu, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of extensive

Adjective

In addition to this, more comprehensive work looking into how natto appears to improve bone health has made this avenue of research particularly interesting.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 21 Oct. 2026
This made the discovery more comprehensive, but almost made clear that the flaw was more serious than Calif had originally realized, an OpenAI spokesperson told Fortune.

— Emily Forlini, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of comprehensive

Adjective

The actor wore a long black leather coat over a simple black tank, paired with straight-leg blue jeans cinched with a leather belt.

— Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 25 Oct. 2026
The company played with flexible workdays instead of rigid schedules, clearer windows for collaboration, simpler rules for meetings, better ways to share and document work, and more intentional reasons for coming together in person.

— Deborah Lovich, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of simple

Adjective

The full report says 12% of the scams reported in the survey involved AI or a deepfake.

— Muskaan Arshad, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
Some Ukrainian officials told the newspaper that the system had not been restored to full functionality but was working at higher speeds than under the cap.

— Reuters, NBC news, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of full

Adjective

There is no exhaustive review of AI maturity in the industry, but surveys suggest that many companies hit a wall with their pilot projects, leaving them at stage two.

— Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2026
Each photograph’s staging is meticulous, and there is an almost exhaustive attempt to interweave the agent’s narratives with the visual language of each image.

— Stephanie Wambugu, Vulture, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of exhaustive

Adjective

Here, the defining aspect of Benjamin Button’s strange existence is love — lucky, steady, unconditional.

— Sara Holdren, Vulture, 22 Oct. 2026
In 2024, Michigan State launched Rx Kids, the country’s first universal and unconditional prenatal and infant cash program.

— Mona Hanna, Washington Post, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of unconditional

Browse Nearby Words

thorny

thorough

thoroughbred

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Thorough.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thorough. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of thorough

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

milieu

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Why do we 'bury the lede?'

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE

Popular

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes