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Synonyms

exhaustive

American  
[ig-zaws-tiv] / ɪgˈzɔs tɪv /

adjective

  1. exhausting exhausting a subject, topic, etc.; comprehensive; thorough.

    He published an exhaustive study of Greek vases.

  2. tending to exhaust or drain, as resources or strength.

    a protracted, exhaustive siege of illness.


exhaustive British  
/ ɪɡˈzɔːstɪv /

adjective

  1. comprehensive in scope; thorough

    an exhaustive survey

  2. tending to exhaust

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • exhaustively adverb
  • exhaustiveness noun
  • nonexhaustive adjective
  • nonexhaustively adverb
  • nonexhaustiveness noun
  • unexhaustive adjective
  • unexhaustively adverb

Etymology

Origin of exhaustive

First recorded in 1780–90; exhaust + -ive

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.

“After an exhaustive review of the evidence, we are aligning the U.S. childhood vaccine schedule with international consensus while strengthening transparency and informed consent,” Mr. Kennedy said.

From The Wall Street Journal

Kennedy, who has long been sceptical of vaccines, said the overhaul came "after an exhaustive review" and that it "protects children, respects families, and rebuilds trust in public health."

From BBC

Local media's accounting of the protests is not exhaustive, and state-run outlets have downplayed their coverage of the demonstrations, while videos flooding social media are often impossible to verify.

From Barron's

Though this list isn’t exhaustive by any means, and not all dates have been announced, there’s plenty to start penciling into your calendar.

From Los Angeles Times

And one venture capitalist described in exhaustive detail the circular flow of money behind a recent investment by Nvidia into his AI startup, enrapturing the crowd with his explanation of how capitalism really works.

From The Wall Street Journal