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hairsplitting

   Also found in: Wikipedia 0.03 sec.
hair·split·ting  (hârspltng)
n.
The making of unreasonably fine distinctions.
hairsplitter n.
hairsplitting adj.
hairsplitting
Noun
the act of making petty distinctions
Adjective
characterized by petty distinctions
ThesaurusLegend:  Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
Noun1.hairsplitting - making too fine distinctions of little importance; "they didn't take his hairsplitting seriously"
word-splitting
differentiation, distinction - a discrimination between things as different and distinct; "it is necessary to make a distinction between love and infatuation"
Adj.1.hairsplitting - developed in excessively fine detail; "finespun distinctions"
finespun
precise - sharply exact or accurate or delimited; "a precise mind"; "specified a precise amount"; "arrived at the precise moment"


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? Mentioned in ? References in periodicals archive
 
Edgar Hoover, The Washington Post opined, "This is no time for hairsplitting over lost liberties," Cole noted.
Staying engaged by Conniff, Ruth / The Progressive
``There is some hairsplitting and nit-picking, but for the most part, the city and the department has stood tough and said there can't be more demands,'' Miscikowski said.
90 DAYS TO MEET CONSENT DECREE CHANGES IN STANDARDS HAMPER PROGRESS ... by Daily News (Los Angeles, CA)
Had it with parallel worlds that demand extensive research and hairsplitting exegesis?
Matthew Ritchie by Siegel, Katy / Artforum International
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