thorough

adjective

ˈthər-(ˌ)ō How to pronounce thorough (audio)
Definition of thoroughnext
1
as in complete
having no exceptions or restrictions had thorough access to the files for her research

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in detailed
including many small descriptive features thorough analysis of the current crisis in Asia

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3
as in extensive
trying all possibilities a thorough search of the office that turned up no evidence of wrongdoing

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4
as in comprehensive
covering everything or all important points a very thorough textbook on respiratory disorders

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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 thorough Bangley does this because Hig wasn’t thorough with his air surveillance and missed the people that came at him and Bangley. — Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 28 Aug. 2026 For a more thorough description of the legal issues in the dispute, see this article that Ars published yesterday. — Jon Brodkin, ArsTechnica, 27 Aug. 2026 Often found as sodium lauryl sulfate or sodium laureth sulfate on product ingredient lists, the foaming surfactants are used in many shampoos to give your hair and scalp a very thorough cleanse. — Audrey Noble, Vogue, 27 Aug. 2026 Given the clear emotional attachment so many people have to Outdoor School, a thorough, transparent and honest public conversation about whether ending the overnight program is truly the only option available seems a reasonable request. — Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for thorough
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thorough
  1. complete
  2. detailed
  3. extensive
  4. comprehensive
  5. simple
  6. full
  7. exhaustive
  8. unconditional
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
Adjective
  • The Star-Telegram emailed a TCU spokesperson a detailed list of DuBose’s allegations and asked for a response.
    — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Sep. 2026
  • The scientists also want to gain a more detailed understanding of the three-dimensional structure of the decagon's clouds, hazes, winds and temperatures.
    — Charles Q. Choi, Space.com, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of detailed
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 its comprehensive plan, the city of Eagle identifies the BLM land Bobo is cleaning up as a major component of the Foothills, calling for public lands to be incorporated into a larger open-space and wildlife-corridor network.
    — Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 2 Sep. 2026
  • MacGregor has signed contracts with China Merchants Jinling Shipyard to supply comprehensive roll-on/roll-off equipment for the two vessels, marking one of its most extensive scopes for roll-on/roll-off passenger ferries to date.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of comprehensive
Adjective
  • It’s still built with comfort in mind, thanks to the flowy material and stretchy elastic waistbands of the pants and top, but has a simple cut that can be dressed up or down easily.
    — Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 2 Sep. 2026
  • This converts touch from a simple collision-detection mechanism into an active source of information for aerial navigation, positioning, and grasp control.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of simple
Adjective
  • The Irish Examiner spoke with a young crafter who described cooking alongside knitting and crochet as some of her most mindful time, because the activities require her full attention.
    — Ashley Lynch, Sacbee.com, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Parking at Ventura Harbor is free Monday through Thursday, and $10 for a full-day pass Friday through Sunday and on major holidays.
    — Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of full
Adjective
  • When litigation continues after exhaustive federal review, the consequences extend beyond a single transaction.
    — Robin Rossenfeld, Denver Post, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Upon downloading the app and creating an account, I was asked to select four starter animals from an exhaustive list.
    — Greta Cross, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of exhaustive
Adjective
  • The capitulation of Germany is at hand, the Third Reich's unconditional surrender just days away.
    — Danielle Parker, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Despite his resolve to be gentler and kinder than Cotton, Hank still struggles to articulate his unconditional love to his son, Bobby.
    — Jordana Rosenfeld, Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of unconditional

Browse Nearby Words

thorny
thorough
thoroughbred
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Cite this Entry

“Thorough.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thorough. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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