1
as in choosey
hard to please
a picky cat who would only eat one particular kind of food, and only if it was served in his special dish
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in selective
tending to select carefully
she's picky, but she always finds the best quality in fresh meat and fish
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of picky
With more inventory available, buyers have become exceedingly picky.
—
Sara B. Hansen, Denver Post, 22 May 2025
Although Noel is a little undersized for the position (5-foot 10, 194 pounds), the Bills haven’t been picky about those measurables in the Z receiver position in the past.
—Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025
The Braves are not in a position to be picky about defense.
—Lee Habeeb, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Apr. 2025
Sometimes gratitude came easily, such as when Deb helped their kids, who were picky eaters, become more adventurous.
—Rhaina Cohen, The Atlantic, 11 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for picky
Sara B. Hansen, Denver Post, 22 May 2025
Although Noel is a little undersized for the position (5-foot 10, 194 pounds), the Bills haven’t been picky about those measurables in the Z receiver position in the past.
—Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025
The Braves are not in a position to be picky about defense.
—Lee Habeeb, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Apr. 2025
Sometimes gratitude came easily, such as when Deb helped their kids, who were picky eaters, become more adventurous.
—Rhaina Cohen, The Atlantic, 11 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for picky
Recent Examples of Synonyms for picky
Adjective
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The highly selective program awards about 9,000 scholarships annually in the U.S. and in more than 160 other countries to students, scholars, and professionals in a range of fields.—
Cheyanne Mumphrey,
Christian Science Monitor,
12 June 2025
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The strategy is to launch through selective distribution with a focus on its own retail and e-commerce channels, supported by key wholesale partners across the globe.—
Lisa Lockwood,
Footwear News,
10 June 2025
Adjective
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While tariffs may lead to consumers being more choosy, Link said the overall macroeconomic picture still looks positive, bolstered by lower interest rates, a steady job market and strong consumer savings.—
Lisa Kailai Han,
CNBC,
4 Mar. 2025
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And by that time in her career, Salonga could be choosy.—
Robert Ito,
New York Times,
16 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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The result is a five-star fun palace oozing maximalist glee that doesn’t skimp on finicky details.—
Mark Ellwood,
Robb Report,
13 June 2025
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Hydrangeas can be a bit finicky and may take a few weeks to months to settle in.—
Lauren David,
Southern Living,
31 May 2025
Adjective
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Watch out for slippery roads: Be extra careful during the first half hour after rain begins.—
Bay Area Weather Report,
Mercury News,
7 June 2025
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However, Kilmeade was careful to praise Musk’s efforts during his time in the Trump administration.—
Andrew Kirell,
CNN Money,
6 June 2025
Adjective
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That this wrap-up happens on the stoop of an apartment building provides a nice callback to Past Lives.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
9 June 2025
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Reyes was a nice spring training story, but the Yankees were fooled by meaningless February and March stats.—
Chris Kirschner,
New York Times,
8 June 2025
Adjective
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Their elevated, but not fussy take on Southern food is truly exceptional.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
14 June 2025
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The compressive fabric and neckline work together to enhance smaller busts, while the stretchy material allows for all-day wear without feeling fussy or poking at the skin.—
Malia Griggs,
Glamour,
6 June 2025
Adjective
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But Wilson is in his comfort zone as ever with Anderson, playing Francis’s persnickety dedication to the trip’s itinerary with his typical generosity.—
Joe Reid,
Vulture,
12 June 2025
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What would the notoriously persnickety Corbitt say about those bold additions?—
Libby Monteith Minor,
Southern Living,
17 May 2025
Adjective
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One of its biggest beefs in recent years has been over U.S. moves to limit the access of Chinese companies to technology, and in particular to equipment and processes needed to produce the most advanced semiconductors.—
Ken Moritsugu,
Los Angeles Times,
9 June 2025
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But for some reason this particular patch of dead air didn’t leave enough time to let everyone back to their seats before Lin-Manuel Miranda and company took the stage.—
Rebecca Rubin,
Variety,
9 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Picky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/picky. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.
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