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Definition of hairsplitting

hairsplitting

/ˈhɛərˌsplɪtɪŋ/
hair · split · ting
Plural:hairsplittings
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hairsplitting Lexical Profile

hairsplitting Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The practice of making overly small, trivial, or pedantic distinctions in an argument or discussion.

Example

"Instead of addressing the core ethical issue, the debate devolved into semantic hairsplitting."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• adjective

1

Characterized by making overly fine, trivial, or pedantic distinctions in reasoning or argument.

Example

"The committee grew impatient with his hairsplitting objections to the wording of the proposal."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
View all antonyms for hairsplitting

• Nearby Words

hairpin
hairsbreadth
hairsplitter
hairsplitting
hairspray
hairstyle
hairstyling

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the mid-19th century as a compound derived from the earlier English idiom 'to split hairs' (attested since the 17th century), using the literal image of slicing a single strand of hair lengthwise to represent making impossibly fine, trivial distinctions.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Hairsplitting. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/hairsplitting
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