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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China reacted angrily Monday to new State Department wording that appeared to indicate a subtle shift in favor of Taipei.—
Christian Shepherd The Washington Post,
arkansasonline.com,
18 Feb. 2025 -
Detecting them requires analyzing traffic patterns and employing advanced tools capable of spotting subtle, consistent signals of bot activity across deep and wide data rivers.—
Dan Yerushalmi,
Forbes,
18 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Pieces include a sleeveless tartan top with pockets that could be mistaken for a gigantic scarf; delicate skirts in the style of a sarong wrap, and long-sleeve mesh T-shirts.—
Hikmat Mohammed,
WWD,
21 Feb. 2025
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There's actually a bevy of shine-boosting, ultra-nourishing oils on the market that deliver amazing results to delicate strands.—
Jennifer Hussein,
Allure,
21 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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In The White Lotus’s fine second season, Woodall played an Essex tough with a lovable joie de vivre, a seductive combination that seemed to announce the arrival of a new star.—
Graham Hillard,
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government,
21 Feb. 2025
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Joel Armia was a healthy scratch, as well, and Erik Haula was fine.—
Arpon Basu,
The Athletic,
21 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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In the petition, St. Clair said New York is the home state of the child, who goes by R.S.C. The author, 26, alleges in the petition that Musk is the father of the boy, who was born in September 2024 (the exact date has been redacted in the filing).—
Elizabeth Rosner,
People.com,
22 Feb. 2025
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This exact Rolex was the gift from our WWE Champion Cody Rhodes.—
Alfred Konuwa,
Forbes,
22 Feb. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Hairsplitting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hairsplitting. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
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