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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.

The records are not exhaustive because not all coroners volunteer them and it takes seven months on average for drug-related deaths to be registered, so some appear in the following year's figures.

From BBC

Like its predecessors, “Triumph and Illusion” combines exhaustive scholarship with eminent readability.

From The Wall Street Journal

"So I haven't had time to conduct an exhaustive study. But in all honesty, Anastasia, I have to tell you that I think he will probably wet his diapers a whole lot."

From Literature

The 90-minute film does not claim to be exhaustive, but aims to offer the public the perspectives of both sides of a case that continues to prompt questions and accusations of a miscarriage of justice.

From Barron's

Throughout this week, players and coaches juggle grueling training sessions and meticulous strategy sessions with an exhaustive schedule of media opportunities.

From Barron's