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.

The Finnish study is among the most exhaustive to date.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

As always, this is not an exhaustive list.

From BBC • Mar. 25, 2026

Joseph Conrad’s tale—as narrated by a wise old seadog, Capt. Charles Marlow—is an exhaustive analysis of an irreversible act.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 16, 2026

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 • Jan. 5, 2026

The president of the republic sent him a telegram of condolence in which he promised an exhaustive investigation and paid homage to the dead men.

From "One Hundred Years of Solitude" by Gabriel Garcia Marquez

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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