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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Superyacht designers have begun to navigate the cultural preferences of their clientele by redefining yacht interiors in subtle but significant ways.—
Tristan Rutherford,
Robb Report,
2 Mar. 2025 -
These devices are more precise and subtle than old fashioned metal detectors, using specific sensitivity settings and artificial intelligence to detect hidden weapons as opposed to harmless items such as keys and phones, allowing people to enter facilities with very little delay.—
Chris Boyette,
CNN,
2 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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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
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Forget the dark and moody color palette that dominated fall and winter manicures for a moment; spring’s hottest nail trends are all about joy-inducing hues, delicate detailing, and unexpected accents.—
Mica Ricketts,
refinery29.com,
5 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Haskell says a key issue is something called turbidity — how much mud and fine sediment is stirred up when cruise ships enter the harbor.—
Greg Allen,
NPR,
5 Mar. 2025
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But Daniel doesn’t draw from these fine actors the scale of performance that Parks’ drama demands.—
Charles McNulty,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Determining the exact source of these fake plates and understanding people’s aversion to properly registering their cars have left the Union County Sheriff’s Department with head-scratching questions.—
Briah Lumpkins,
Charlotte Observer,
6 Mar. 2025
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There hasn’t been an exact explanation of what D’Wayne Wiggins is currently diagnosed with.—
Marc Griffin,
VIBE.com,
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 13 Mar. 2025.
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