hairsplitting
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.
But Oedipus is in no mood for academic hairsplitting.
From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 13, 2025
Instead of transparency, however, Mr. Hogan dissembled, backed by a Greek chorus of question-dodging, hairsplitting, fast-talking officials in his administration.
From Washington Post • Dec. 6, 2020
In a June 5 interview with The Associated Press, the attorney general gave a hairsplitting description of his role in directing the law enforcement actions.
From New York Times • Jun. 21, 2020
They generally involve rephrasing the accusation, then issuing a very narrowly-crafted and hairsplitting denial, while avoiding the central claim.
From Salon • Nov. 21, 2019
One likes to meet now and again a book which forsakes the eternal sex question, or the hairsplitting discussion of ethical or psychological problems, and treats us to simpler and more satisfying fare....
From Ringan Gilhaize or The Covenanters by Galt, John
From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.
