stickler

noun

stick·​ler ˈsti-k(ə-)lər How to pronounce stickler (audio)
1
: one who insists on exactness or completeness in the observance of something
a stickler for the rules
2
: something that baffles or puzzles : poser

Examples of stickler in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Highly selective schools at one point experienced a backlash for being sticklers in requiring standardized test scores, as critics noted that those tests favored wealthy students who could afford test preparation classes and tutors to improve their results. Ira Porter, The Christian Science Monitor, 14 Mar. 2024 However, this trait can appear as a stickler for perfection, precision, fusspot, formalist, nitpicker, pedantic, and fastidious. Colleen Reilly, Forbes, 13 Feb. 2024 A little poking around into Hudson's background reveals that the congressperson is a stickler for the rules and an expert in finding out secrets. Tanya Melendez, EW.com, 15 May 2023 For the shoe stickler who wants high-quality kicks at good prices, choose between Vionic loafers, a brand Oprah featured on her Favorite Things list in 2016, 2017, and 2018, or comfy styles from Adidas, Reebok, Teva, Free People, and more in-demand brands. Alyssa Grabinski, Peoplemag, 14 Feb. 2024 Generally health insurers are sticklers for only covering what’s medically necessary – and currently there is no medical society in the U.S. that advocates for these full-body MRI screenings. Rashi Shrivastava, Forbes, 10 Feb. 2024 The people charged with inspecting it pre-rental aren’t always sticklers for detail, and sometimes miss large scratches and dings. Matt Meltzer, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Jan. 2024 Likens is a stickler for the details, and a yeller when they don’t get accomplished. Jesse Newell, Kansas City Star, 19 Jan. 2024 Holt is such a stickler for the rules, and so emotionally closed off, that Andy Samberg’s Jake Peralta initially compares him to a robot. Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 13 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'stickler.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1799, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of stickler was in 1799

Dictionary Entries Near stickler

Cite this Entry

“Stickler.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stickler. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

stickler

noun
stick·​ler ˈstik-(ə-)lər How to pronounce stickler (audio)
1
: a person who insists on exactness or completeness in the observance of something
a stickler for the rules
2
: something that baffles or puzzles

More from Merriam-Webster on stickler

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!