Definitions

exhaustive

[ig-zaws-tiv] / ɪgˈzɔs tɪv /

ADJECTIVE

all-inclusive, complete

Synonyms

STRONGEST

comprehensive encyclopedic extensive full-scale in-depth intensive sweeping thorough

WEAK

all-embracing all-encompassing all-out catholic embracive far-reaching from A to Z full full dress full-blown no stone unturned out-and-out profound radical the word thoroughgoing total whole-hog

Antonyms

STRONGEST

exclusive incomplete incomprehensive narrow partial superficial uncomprehensive

WEAK

excluding unfinished

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Colloff’s reporting is, as usual, dogged and exhaustive, and the book reads like a thriller, but never sacrifices the humanity of the people Skalnik hurt.

From Los Angeles Times • May 12, 2026

The Finnish study is among the most exhaustive to date.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

Asylum seekers are subject to an initial screening interview with the Home Office and then an exhaustive "substantive interview" lasting several hours, during which their claims are probed.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

This count, which includes attacks that were intercepted, cannot be considered an exhaustive list from the conflict.

From Barron's • Apr. 11, 2026

Long minutes drag by as he does an exhaustive hunt of the small thicket.

From "Warcross" by Marie Lu

Vocabulary lists containing exhaustive

The Martian

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From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler

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Native Speaker

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