EXHAUSTIVE Synonyms: 75 Similar and Opposite Words

exhaustive

adjective

ig-ˈzȯ-stiv

Definition of exhaustive

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

as in comprehensive

covering everything or all important points an exhaustive survey of the nation's sexual habits

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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 In This Article Deep cleaning your oven can be an exhaustive, daunting task that, let’s face it, no one really wants to do. — Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 16 Aug. 2026 Even at the peak of the season (between exhaustive heat waves), some days are cooler and rainier than others, or even chilly with the sea breeze. — Olivia Cigliano, InStyle, 16 Aug. 2026 The film’s characters participate in an exhaustive dance competition, competing for a hefty cash prize. — Amina Ayoud, Footwear News, 15 Aug. 2026 The non-exhaustive sum of events within this time frame included winning Best New Artist at the Grammy Awards and scoring two Top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100. — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 15 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for exhaustive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for exhaustive

Adjective

The author specifically praised Reficco over her thorough research on epilepsy in an effort to offer an authentic portrayal.

— Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2026
Lawsuits have accused Lyft of failing to perform more thorough background checks on prospective drivers, maintaining in-car surveillance and enforcing zero-tolerance policies against drivers.

— Amber Gaudet, Charlotte Observer, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of thorough

Adjective

The town is now essentially a real-world study for scientists, after comprehensive data was gathered over a year back in 2007.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 26 Aug. 2026
Problems with standardized assessments The most comprehensive measure of adult literacy levels is the Survey of Adult Skills, which is part of a larger international assessment known as the PIAAC.

— Jennifer D. Kobrin, The Conversation, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of comprehensive

Adjective

Chinese state media, including the Communist Party's flagship newspaper, People's Daily, gave extensive coverage to Xi's encounters with other visiting leaders on Tuesday, but made no mention of the meeting with Pezeshkian.

— Anniek Bao, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2026
Neal's research includes extensive work on female astronauts.

— Elizabeth Howell, Space.com, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of extensive

Adjective

In the current setup, teams select players that other teams leave unprotected and then must carry that player on their big-league roster for a full year.

— Evan Drellich, New York Times, 28 Aug. 2026
That income limit is a cliff — earning a dollar over the limit generally means paying the full, unsubsidized premium.

— Sarah Agostino, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of full

Adjective

To defeat Iran would be a complete victory, not only for Israel but for the entire Middle East.

— Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026
Those tests should reveal how well the modular architecture performs once individual components operate as part of a complete launcher.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of complete

Browse Nearby Words

exhaustion

exhaustive

exhaustively

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“Exhaustive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exhaustive. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of exhaustive

adjective

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