THOROUGH Synonyms: 199 Similar and Opposite Words

thorough

adjective

ˈthər-(ˌ)ō

Definition of thorough

as in complete

having no exceptions or restrictions had thorough access to the files for her research

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in detailed

including many small descriptive features thorough analysis of the current crisis in Asia

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 The plan is to armor the place with sandbags until more thorough repairs can be completed. — Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 6 Oct. 2026 Cleveland Clinic says the most effective prevention is a consistent and thorough bathing routine with regular showers and antibacterial soap focused on areas where apocrine glands sit, like the groin and armpits. — Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Oct. 2026 The next step was finding a director; according to sources, the search was thorough with not only Black Label and Thunder Road producers meeting potential candidates but the lead cast having their own meetings as well. — Justin Kroll, Deadline, 5 Oct. 2026 The videos show police conducting more thorough searches of Mangione and his belongings at the station, including the moment an officer finds a gun – now known to be the murder weapon – inside his backpack. — Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for thorough

Recent Examples of Synonyms for thorough

Adjective

For more than 50 years, the house remained vacant, was ravaged by fire, and fell into complete disrepair.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Oct. 2026
Then again, the album’s 15-minute runtime presupposes a complete lasting impression isn’t the point.

— Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of complete

Adjective

While the property’s extensive and expensive renovation has elevated nearly every corner of the resort, the room doors appear to have been overlooked.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
Contact the treating clinician promptly for worsening pain, spreading redness or warmth, pus-like drainage, fever, extensive blistering, eye symptoms, or a reaction substantially more severe than described.

— Malana VanTyler, Miami Herald, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of extensive

Adjective

By comparison, human advisors can build a comprehensive financial plan — including investing, taxes, insurance, retirement planning, estate planning and more — based on your specific goals.

— Kate Dore, CFP®, EA,Kelli Grant, CFP®, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026
Months later, Straker delivered a comprehensive menu—and when the doors opened, Casa Cruz became London’s hottest restaurant.

— Elise Taylor, Vanity Fair, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of comprehensive

Adjective

His lyrics, his hooks, his unmistakable voice, his optimism, his belief in the power of a simple song to make people feel good.

— Chris Willman, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026
Some people want to change the world, and others want to operate in simple harmony with it and savor life.

— Sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of simple

Adjective

This is a play full of people trying very hard to be there for each other and discovering what makes that difficult.

— Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2026
Will movie nights and electric go-kart tracks suffice to keep CWG’s buildings full if, as some predict, AI renders large numbers of office jobs redundant?

— Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of full

Adjective

Each photograph’s staging is meticulous, and there is an almost exhaustive attempt to interweave the agent’s narratives with the visual language of each image.

— Stephanie Wambugu, Vulture, 12 Oct. 2026
Under this new pathway, only the nuclear module follows the exhaustive atomic licensing schedule, while the turbine complex proceeds under standard commercial timelines.

— Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of exhaustive

Adjective

In 2024, Michigan State launched Rx Kids, the country’s first universal and unconditional prenatal and infant cash program.

— Mona Hanna, Washington Post, 8 Oct. 2026
Once a seller has an unconditional right to receive the proceeds, many planning opportunities may no longer be available.

— D. Scott Kenik, Forbes.com, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of unconditional

Browse Nearby Words

thorny

thorough

thoroughbred

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“Thorough.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thorough. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of thorough

adjective

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