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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hairsplitting
Adjective
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Your new album, Faith, is a lot subtler than your debut, Signs.—
Philip Sherburne,
Pitchfork,
6 June 2025 -
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
Adjective
-
The name angel pie gives a few of this dessert's secrets away: The crust is a super delicate meringue that's crisp on the outside but marshmallowy on the inside.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
8 June 2025
-
If wearing a bra outside of your clothes feels like a bit much, try popping it over a delicate lace skirt for that same sultry vibe.—
Kelsey Stiegman,
Glamour,
7 June 2025
Adjective
-
Under his watchful eye, the new site will spotlight the finest talents in the region.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
9 June 2025
-
On Sunday evening, Broadway’s finest, including George Clooney, Mia Farrow, Lea Michele and Tonys host Cynthia Erivo, gathered outside of Radio City Music Hall under a covered red carpet, avoiding the dreary New York City weather.—
Emily Burns,
Footwear News,
9 June 2025
Adjective
-
The exact fixtures incorporated into this will be confirmed later this summer, after the 2025/26 WSL fixtures have been released.—
Asif Burhan,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
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An exact premiere date has not yet been set, but CIA will air Mondays at 10 pm, leading out of the FBI mothership.—
Matt Webb Mitovich,
TVLine,
9 June 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Hairsplitting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hairsplitting. Accessed 14 Jun. 2025.
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