as in subtle
made or done with extreme care and accuracy
usage experts have attempted to make some hairsplitting distinctions between the two words, but most writers blithely ignore them
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hairsplitting
Adjective
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There have been subtle hints of Bayley turning on Valkyria to further their feud for the Intercontinental title.—
Joe Nguyen,
Denver Post,
18 Apr. 2025 -
Shannon Riley, founder and CEO of Building 180 – an art production and consulting agency that arranged the installation – told USA TODAY battery and funding reasons limit the subtle chest motions that mimic breathing to an hour a day, from 5-6 p.m.—
Jorge L. Ortiz,
USA Today,
18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Hoffman recalls of including the delicate destination nods.—
David Foxley,
Architectural Digest,
21 Apr. 2025
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Soft and delicate fragrances of spring flowers and mandarins.—
Tom Mullen,
Forbes.com,
21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Passport: Explore the finest destinations and experiences around the world in the Forbes Passport newsletter.—
David Thomas Tao,
Forbes.com,
22 Apr. 2025
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If sports betting is not his jam, that’s just fine, too.—
David B. McGarry,
Baltimore Sun,
21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Taking the time to determine your exact financial situation and set goals can be an enlightening experience.—
Rachel Barber,
USA Today,
23 Apr. 2025
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Currently, the exact timing of creatine use that is better for people looking to maximize creatine benefits is unclear.—
Emmanuella Ogbonna,
Health,
22 Apr. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Hairsplitting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hairsplitting. Accessed 2 May. 2025.
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