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
-
They are intended to reduce trauma to the scalp, may contribute to smoother recovery, and are designed to help achieve subtle, natural-looking outcomes.—
Daniel Fusch,
USA Today,
12 July 2025 -
The property’s subtle musical motif reminds guests of its beginnings as a radio station, while the sunset libations at its Hi-Fi Rooftop Bar draw a regular crowd.—
Katie Strasberg Rousso,
Southern Living,
12 July 2025
Adjective
-
Tasters enjoyed Canada Dry’s balance of flavors, noting that its delicate citrus played well with a sharp bitter note on the back of their tongues.—
Sam Stone,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
14 July 2025
-
For instance, delicate fabrics like wool, silk, or linen will likely have different washing requirements than white cotton garments.—
Ashlyn Needham,
Southern Living,
12 July 2025
Adjective
-
People in their finest gathered under those lights.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
14 July 2025
-
Experts believe that rice played a role in rituals that were performed in the cave, which also included fine pottery, shell pendants and ornaments.—
Andrea Margolis,
FOXNews.com,
14 July 2025
Adjective
-
Modelled directly after the team’s 2025 season design, the helmet is finished in Coinbase’s signature electric blue to present an exact replica of the real thing, just dramatically oversized.—
Felicity Carter,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2025
-
While the exact reasons behind the latest moves were unclear, the wild swings in the Taiwan dollar over the past two trading sessions come as domestic firms — including life insurers and exporters — prepare to release their half-year financial reports.—
Jim Edwards,
Fortune,
1 July 2025
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Cite this Entry
“Hairsplitting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hairsplitting. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share