as in subtle
made or done with extreme care and accuracy
usage experts have attempted to make some hairsplitting distinctions between the two words, but most writers blithely ignore them
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hairsplitting
Adjective
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The Pre Wash Scalp Oil is also infused with amber, cashmere musk, lemon and mandarin leaving a subtle fragrance that’s equal parts cozy and sparkling.—
Bianca Salonga,
Forbes,
26 Mar. 2025 -
Webb also made a subtle tweak to his mechanics, adding movement to his back foot during his windup as opposed to remaining stationary.—
Justice delos Santos,
Mercury News,
26 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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After more than 30 years, Wimberley Glassworks still flourishes and its gallery is bursting with color—plates in kaleidoscopic shades, delicate pieces glowing brightly on tables, sculptures fanning out in rainbows over the walls, as if outraged by the white paint.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
29 Mar. 2025
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Reinforcing its status as a rising force in contemporary fashion, Ann Andelman’s boutique launch coincides with the release of the label’s Spring/Summer 2025 collection — a range that explores the delicate balance between sensibility and emotion through a dreamlike visual narrative.—
Angela Lei,
Forbes.com,
29 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The trick up my mom's sleeve: grating the cheese on both the fine and large holes of the cheese grater.—
Catherine Jessee,
Southern Living,
29 Mar. 2025
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However, fine wildland fuels such as forest litter and small dead branches remain exceptionally dry.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
29 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The exact streaming date hasn’t been announced, so make sure to stay tuned for updates.—
Monica Mercuri,
Forbes.com,
30 Mar. 2025
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Flyers general manager Daniel Brière used that exact term just prior to this game in expressing his belief that his team would now start growing.—
Arpon Basu,
New York Times,
28 Mar. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Hairsplitting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hairsplitting. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.
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