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Definition of nitpicky

nitpicky

/ˈnɪtˌpɪk.i/
nit · pick · y
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nitpicky Lexical Profile

nitpicky Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Excessively concerned with or critical of inconsequential details; overly fault-finding or fussy (informal).

Example

"The editor made a few nitpicky comments about punctuation, but overall she praised the manuscript."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

nitpick
nitpicker
nitpicking
nitpicky
nitrate
nitric
nitro

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the mid-20th century from 'nitpick' plus the suffix '-y', originally referring to the tedious practice of picking tiny louse eggs ('nits', from Old English 'hnitu') out of hair.

Cite this Entry

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