thoroughly

adverb

thor·​ough·​ly ˈthər-(ˌ)ō-lē 

 sometimes  ˈthȯr-;

ˈthə-(ˌ)rō-

: in a complete or thorough manner

Police thoroughly searched the crime scene for clues.

Bats are extremely tidy: they comb themselves thoroughly, and don't gather a mess of nesting materials for their homes, as birds do.

—Diane Ackerman

: to a complete or thorough extent

We were thoroughly satisfied with the service we received.

thoroughly disgusted/delighted

By taking all the tricks in the game, one defeats the opponent so thoroughly that he may be disconcerted …

—Craig M. Carver

Synonyms

• completely
• comprehensively
• detailedly
• exhaustively
• fully
• inside out
• minutely
• roundly
• sweepingly
• systematically
• through and through
• totally

Examples of thoroughly in a Sentence

they researched the issue thoroughly before deciding how to vote

I am thoroughly satisfied with her explanation of the events of that evening

Recent Examples on the Web

Drain the noodles thoroughly and stir into the sauce. —Carole Kotkin, Miami Herald, 10 Jan. 2025

Water thoroughly if the soil feels somewhat dry to the touch at that depth. —Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 9 Jan. 2025

Meanwhile, reports of severe abuse or neglect are thoroughly investigated, with immediate interventions when necessary. —Michelle Yanche, New York Daily News, 8 Jan. 2025

Hartenstein and Dort are considered among the most physical defenders in the NBA, and in fact, Hartenstein was a member of the New York team two years ago that so thoroughly whipped the Cavs in a playoff series that Cleveland is still trying to shake off unflattering labels from it. —Joe Vardon, The Athletic, 8 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above