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
Diane AckermanWe 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
Craig M. CarverExamples 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
Leave it in the garage or carport, empty everything out, and vacuum it thoroughly, paying attention to seams and crevices, says Benson.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 25 Dec. 2025
Leave the product on for two to three minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
—Daley Quinn, Glamour, 23 Dec. 2025
After a decade-long wait, Jaylen Brown is thoroughly enjoying his first season as the Celtics’ unquestioned leader.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 23 Dec. 2025
The texture starts light and creamy, then transforms into a soft foam that cleanses thoroughly without overdoing it.
—Lily Wohlner, Allure, 22 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for thoroughly
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Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 25 Dec. 2025
Leave the product on for two to three minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
—Daley Quinn, Glamour, 23 Dec. 2025
After a decade-long wait, Jaylen Brown is thoroughly enjoying his first season as the Celtics’ unquestioned leader.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 23 Dec. 2025
The texture starts light and creamy, then transforms into a soft foam that cleanses thoroughly without overdoing it.
—Lily Wohlner, Allure, 22 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for thoroughly
Cite this Entry
“Thoroughly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thoroughly. Accessed 3 Jan. 2026.
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