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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The family secrets were subtle but pervasive, reverberating not just through this nuclear family, but also across generations.—
Susan Walter
June 6,
Literary Hub,
6 June 2025 -
For games that ran mostly fine on the original Switch, the upgrades are more subtle but still impressive.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
6 June 2025
Adjective
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The floral motifs created a garden of light against the shimmering teal backdrop for a dramatic, yet delicate look.—
Pooja Shah,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2025
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Lorenza Rosé, $23 Year after year, the Lorenza team produces a rosé that's both light and delicate while still being chock-full of flavor and personality.—
Seth Eli Barlow,
Arkansas Online,
27 May 2025
Adjective
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Together, the two properties form a seamless downtown ecosystem. Passport: Explore the finest destinations and experiences around the world in the Forbes Passport newsletter.—
Shivani Vora,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2025
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Surrounded by monumental works from celebrated contemporary artists like Ai Weiwei and Jaume Plensa, Biggers’ piece contributes to The Donum Collection’s vision: a harmonious blend of fine wine, sustainable farming, and transformative art.—
Okla Jones,
Essence,
28 May 2025
Adjective
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The poll — which has a margin of error of 3.2 percentage points — comes after years of debate about the exact origins of COVID-19, which began spreading globally in late 2019, according to the World Health Organization.—
Brendan Rascius,
Miami Herald,
29 May 2025
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The new owner’s exact plans for the site are still being hashed out, but the group has created a map with a main street that travels the length of the property and is surrounded by 13 different blocks, most about an acre in size.—
Jennifer Van Grove,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 May 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Hairsplitting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hairsplitting. Accessed 11 Jun. 2025.
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