FINICKY Synonyms: 68 Similar and Opposite Words

finicky

adjective

ˈfi-ni-kē

Definition of finicky

as in careful

hard to please cats have a reputation for being finicky eaters

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 finicky Logitech's Mobi Fold nails ultraportability with its clever bending design, but its finicky touch controls and scrolling action keep it from becoming the travel mouse to beat. — Zackery Cuevas, PC Magazine, 27 June 2026 Select a compact cultivar, such as ‘Kleim's Hardy' or ‘Crown Jewel', for growing in small spaces or containers, and be aware that these finicky shrubs might not be the best choice for beginner gardeners. — Gemma Johnstone, The Spruce, 22 June 2026 The restaurant, which has held its Michelin star for more than 20 years—no small feat in the finicky world of fine dining—continues to draw diners with seasonal course menus, shaped by local suppliers and produce from the estate gardens, as well as its service and sense of occasion. — Lindsay Cohn, Travel + Leisure, 13 June 2026 Its finicky drainage needs are easier to manage in a pot, and lavender always looks fantastic in a large terra-cotta planter. — Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for finicky

Recent Examples of Synonyms for finicky

Adjective

However, Aldighieri advises marketers to be careful when changing tack.

— Sam Birchall, Fortune, 30 July 2026
But Yoon is careful, with his characteristically spare, visceral imagery, to establish Etna’s early happiness.

— Rachel Vorona Cote, The Atlantic, 30 July 2026

Definition of careful

Adjective

The modern kitchen is loaded with storage, including some secret spots in the butcher-block peninsula, and the bathroom’s terra-cotta tiling is a nice touch.

— Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 27 July 2026
The result is Framework’s nicest-looking, nicest-feeling, most polished laptop design.

— ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 27 July 2026

Definition of nice

Adjective

The team then turned to an open-source model developed in China, which was less persnickety.

— Stephen Witt, New Yorker, 30 July 2026
Imagine creating a new standard of hypersensitive caution about attracting even the most persnickety media criticism, and then applying it for the first time to your son’s wedding.

— Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 21 May 2026

Definition of persnickety

Adjective

Queen conchs are picky about their habitats Queen conchs are large marine gastropods, and can be found throughout the Caribbean Sea, around Bermuda and in the Florida Keys.

— Sarah Perkel, USA Today, 31 July 2026
Plus, there’s something about being part of the process of buying (or growing) the ingredients and preparing a recipe that piques the curiosity of even the pickiest eater and tempts them to take a bite.

— Libby Monteith Minor, Southern Living, 25 July 2026

Definition of picky

Adjective

One relationship De Zerbi is paying particular attention to is Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali, who joined Spurs for record fees this summer.

— Elias Burke, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026
This story is first and foremost written out of love—love for this place and these people and this particular cultural moment, all of which are now long gone.

— Deborah Treisman, New Yorker, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of particular

Adjective

Shades of blue, crisp linens, simple glass accents, and fresh white orchids came together to create a tablescape that’s elegant without feeling fussy.

— Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 16 July 2026
General Considerations Some herbs are easy and prolific while others are fussy, short-lived, or require special growing conditions.

— Erica Browne Grivas, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 July 2026

Definition of fussy

Adjective

One of the most beautiful women in the world during her lifetime, the former Princess of Wales was fastidious about getting her sleep.

— Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 21 July 2026
The offseasons are usually too packed to be so fastidious with his training regimen.

— Marcus Thompson II, New York Times, 11 July 2026

Definition of fastidious

Adjective

That is a demanding position to hold, and most organizations have built conditions that make holding it harder every year.

— Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
At the 2024 Monterey Historic races, he was seen driving the 250 P aggressively around the demanding Laguna Seca track.

— Howard Walker, Robb Report, 31 July 2026

Definition of demanding

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“Finicky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/finicky. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of finicky

adjective

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