1
as in complete
having no exceptions or restrictions
had thorough access to the files for her research
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in detailed
including many small descriptive features
thorough analysis of the current crisis in Asia
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
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
4
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
It was not immediately disclosed if airport personnel will be doing the same thorough inspections on Runway 13/31, the airport’s other main runway, in the coming days.
—
Evan Simko-Bednarski, New York Daily News, 22 May 2026
To do so, Forbes has developed a thorough methodology for identifying, vetting, and selecting candidates.
—Bysteel Rose, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026
Emergency personnel conducted a thorough investigation in coordination with school district officials, police said.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 22 May 2026
Since cat urine can permeate far beyond its visible edges, this is also useful in locating all the boundaries of a stain, ensuring a more thorough clean.
—Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 21 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for thorough
Evan Simko-Bednarski, New York Daily News, 22 May 2026
To do so, Forbes has developed a thorough methodology for identifying, vetting, and selecting candidates.
—Bysteel Rose, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026
Emergency personnel conducted a thorough investigation in coordination with school district officials, police said.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 22 May 2026
Since cat urine can permeate far beyond its visible edges, this is also useful in locating all the boundaries of a stain, ensuring a more thorough clean.
—Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 21 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for thorough
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thorough
Adjective
-
The unfussy style features a sleek silhouette, complete with a scoop neckline and a moderate-coverage bottom.—
Kyra Surgent,
InStyle,
24 May 2026
-
Alison Ortega threw a complete game with seven strikeouts in La Mirada’s 5-1 win over La Habra.—
Eric Sondheimer,
Los Angeles Times,
24 May 2026
Adjective
-
But keep it simple; detailed information is useless if children can’t digest it.—
Orlando Sentinel Staff,
The Orlando Sentinel,
24 May 2026
-
Only a small number of applications typically reach that stage, which requires detailed health data on smokers who switch to the new product, King noted.—
Matthew Perrone,
Fortune,
23 May 2026
Adjective
-
Every small business article is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of small business products.—
Jasmin Suknanan,
CNBC,
29 May 2026
-
But damage to the pad — Launch Complex 36 (LC-36) — could be extensive, judging by the extent of the explosion, which multiple rocket-watchers captured on video.—
Mike Wall,
Space.com,
29 May 2026
Adjective
-
California’s housing reforms in recent years have been among the most comprehensive in the country.—
Christina Mojica,
Oc Register,
26 May 2026
-
The coach declares her team’s strategies as the best and most comprehensive in the country.—
Caroline Price,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2026
Adjective
-
In 2015, Lynette was arrested on charges of assault and battery/simple assault.—
Marlene Lenthang,
NBC news,
28 May 2026
-
When Stagg’s calculations lead him to conclude that an almighty storm is set to break on June 5, 1944 — the day originally earmarked for the Normandy landings — after a long period of balmy calm, potentially scuppering the entire vast project, his simple but urgent advice is to wait a day.—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
27 May 2026
Adjective
-
The classic-cool brand makes up a good chunk of my wardrobe—and, not to brag, but almost none of it was purchased at full-price.—
Kaelin Dodge,
InStyle,
25 May 2026
-
Start by placing the plants in a shady area with no full sun for three or four days.—
Tim Johnson,
Chicago Tribune,
24 May 2026
Adjective
-
More than anything, Magnifica Humanitas is an exhaustive account of what could happen if the world makes the wrong choice.—
Francis X. Rocca,
The Atlantic,
25 May 2026
-
Foreman detailed the production’s exhaustive research process, including references from the real family’s housekeeper identifying the exact products and colors the real Maggie regularly carried in her purse.—
Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
20 May 2026
Adjective
-
While the benefit had largely been unconditional until now, users in some regions must now link a phone number to unlock the full storage capacity.—
Jibin Joseph,
PC Magazine,
15 May 2026
-
Never judging me and always giving pure, loyal, and unconditional love.—
Charmaine Patterson,
PEOPLE,
15 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Thorough.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thorough. Accessed 30 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
