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 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 In some ways, McBride’s commentary tapped into resentment inside the LAPD over what some see as the erosion of the professional, spit-and-polish image of the department dating back to the days of Chief William J. Parker, who was a stickler for grooming. Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 8 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 18 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
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