nitpick

or nit-pick

[ nit-pik ]

verb (used without object)

1. to be excessively concerned with or critical of inconsequential details.

verb (used with object)

1. to criticize by focusing on inconsequential details.

noun

1. a carping, petty criticism.

adjective

1. Also nit·pick·y. of, relating to, or characteristic of a person who nitpicks:

   a nitpick review of the miniseries.

Word History and Origins

Origin of nitpick¹

First recorded in 1965–70; nit ¹ + pick ¹

Example Sentences

People can nitpick ... but we were going for something a bit more shapeless and ethereal than the usual biopic.

From The Daily Beast

The identical twins who sued Zuckerberg critique and nitpick The Social Network.

From The Daily Beast