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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Of course, artists such as Mondrian and Klimt would likely not have been aware of fractals, or the math that underpins them, but perhaps had an innate understanding of the subtle proportions all trees share, according to the researchers.—
Katie Hunt,
CNN,
14 Mar. 2025 -
Once the foot is under the ball and has left the ground, a subtle flick of the ankle sends it forward to create the dipping motion that will bring it back down quickly.—
Jordan Campbell,
The Athletic,
14 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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McGrath has been given full access to the Louis Vuitton archive, which includes vanity cases to transport delicate perfumes and cosmetics from 1854, and a range of powder compacts, brushes and mirrors seen in the 1920s.—
India Espy-Jones,
Essence,
5 Mar. 2025
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The Aussie style is typically bone-dry with rapier-sharp acidity, chalk-dust texture, and delicate citrus and floral flavors.—
Christina Pickard,
Bon Appétit,
5 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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New York first joined the guide in 2005, kicking off a new focus on fine dining in America.—
Heidi Finley,
Charlotte Observer,
5 Mar. 2025
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By introducing finer gradations and supporting 16-QAM with a 2/3 coding rate, Wi-Fi 8 ensures smoother transitions between speed tiers, ultimately enhancing overall transmission rates by 5%-30% and guaranteeing stable connectivity as users move.—
Mark Vena,
Forbes,
5 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The injury will sideline LeMahieu for at least a couple weeks, according to the New York Post’s Greg Joyce, though the 36-year-old was waiting to talk with team doctors to get an exact timeline.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
6 Mar. 2025
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The exact treatment will depend on the type of rash and its specific cause.—
Cristina Mutchler,
Health,
6 Mar. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Hairsplitting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hairsplitting. Accessed 19 Mar. 2025.
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