as in obsessive
extremely or overly neat, careful, or precise
I've always been anal about arranging my books alphabetically by author.
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Recent Examples of anal
That means STIs can also cause throat, genital and anal infections.
—
Jill Grimes, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2025
For partnered anal penetration, communication is the key to a safer and more pleasurable experience.
—Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 11 Aug. 2025
There are other ways to explore: fingers, smaller toys, anal plugs, etc.
—Dominique Fluker, Essence, 3 July 2025
Weeks later, anal warts appeared around the rim of Laurent’s rectum, the complaint says, and he was diagnosed with condyloma.
—Tatiana Siegel, Variety, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for anal
Jill Grimes, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2025
For partnered anal penetration, communication is the key to a safer and more pleasurable experience.
—Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 11 Aug. 2025
There are other ways to explore: fingers, smaller toys, anal plugs, etc.
—Dominique Fluker, Essence, 3 July 2025
Weeks later, anal warts appeared around the rim of Laurent’s rectum, the complaint says, and he was diagnosed with condyloma.
—Tatiana Siegel, Variety, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for anal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for anal
Adjective
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Paxton’s interest in Paul’s plight was bizarre, obsessive and so far beyond normal operations at the attorney general’s office that the agency’s top officials struggled to convey their concerns during the hourslong meeting with two FBI agents.—
Kimberly Ross,
The Washington Examiner,
12 Sep. 2025
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Although Harold is not literary fiction’s first obsessive ruminator, what makes Muscle Man feel so plugged into the moment is how common the predicament feels.—
Jeremy Gordon,
The Atlantic,
12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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But while much of record labels’ promotional efforts have shifted to platforms including TikTok, Shinedown has remained adamant about the importance of terrestrial radio.—
Glenn Peoples,
Billboard,
18 Sep. 2025
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In a 24/7 news cycle, Hemmer is adamant about balancing urgency with accuracy.—
Rodger Dean Duncan,
Forbes.com,
18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Sulfide electrolytes fall apart when exposed to humidity, demanding strict atmospheric controls during manufacturing.—
Tejasri Gururaj,
Interesting Engineering,
18 Sep. 2025
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Another 22% want innovation with strict risk controls.—
Lawrence Wintermeyer,
Forbes.com,
18 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Anal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anal. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.
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