Hairsplitting and Trifling

Hairsplitting

Hairsplitting adjective - Made or done with extreme care and accuracy.
Usage example: usage experts have attempted to make some hairsplitting distinctions between the two words, but most writers blithely ignore them

Trifling and hairsplitting are semantically related. In some cases you can use "Trifling" instead an adjective "Hairsplitting".

Trifling

Trifling adjective - So small or unimportant as to warrant little or no attention.
Usage example: trifling differences between the theatrical and DVD versions of the movie

Hairsplitting and trifling are semantically related. You can use "Hairsplitting" instead an adjective "Trifling".

Nearby Words: trifle, trifled
Cite this Source
Trifling and Hairsplitting. (2016). Retrieved 2026, August 08, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/hairsplitting/trifling
Hairsplitting & Trifling. N.p., 2016. Web. 08 Aug. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/hairsplitting/trifling>.
Trifling or Hairsplitting. 2016. Accessed August 08, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/hairsplitting/trifling.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "hairsplitting" and "trifling" have occurred on timeline