thoroughly

adverb

thor·​ough·​ly ˈthər-(ˌ)ō-lē 

 sometimes  ˈthȯr-;

ˈthə-(ˌ)rō-

: in a complete or thorough manner

Police thoroughly searched the crime scene for clues.

Bats are extremely tidy: they comb themselves thoroughly, and don't gather a mess of nesting materials for their homes, as birds do.

—Diane Ackerman

: to a complete or thorough extent

We were thoroughly satisfied with the service we received.

thoroughly disgusted/delighted

By taking all the tricks in the game, one defeats the opponent so thoroughly that he may be disconcerted …

—Craig M. Carver

Synonyms

• completely
• comprehensively
• detailedly
• exhaustively
• fully
• inside out
• minutely
• roundly
• sweepingly
• systematically
• through and through
• totally

Examples of thoroughly in a Sentence

they researched the issue thoroughly before deciding how to vote

I am thoroughly satisfied with her explanation of the events of that evening

Recent Examples on the Web

Taking the time to evaluate these elements thoroughly helps ensure a strong, balanced partnership that sets the foundation for long-term success. —Expert Panel®, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025

Soap may be especially problematic if it’s not rinsed off thoroughly, which is more likely with bar soap than the liquid variety. —Matt Fuchs, TIME, 3 Mar. 2025

If coming into contact with livestock or poultry, owners should change their clothes and wash their hands thoroughly before interacting again with their cats. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 2 Mar. 2025

The reasons for owning a light helicopter haven’t changed that much in the last 60 years, but the offerings are thoroughly modern. —Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 2 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above