pedantic
3 synonyms and 1 antonym for pedantic, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Overly focused on formal rules, minor details, or technical correctness, often to an annoying degree.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
donnish
pedantical
Antonyms
How to use pedantic
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
pedantic argument
pedantic about grammar
sound pedantic
Etymology
From "pedant" (someone who shows off learning or fusses over rules) plus the adjective ending "-ic."
Full origin of pedantic →Frequently asked questions
What does “pedantic” mean?
The word “pedantic” means overly focused on formal rules, minor details, or technical correctness, often to an annoying degree. In plain terms, nit-picky and overly concerned with minor rules or details, in a way that misses the bigger picture.
How do you pronounce “pedantic”?
“Pedantic” is pronounced puh-DAN-tihk (/pəˈdæn.tɪk/ in IPA).
How do you use “pedantic” in a sentence?
Here is “pedantic” used in a sentence: “His pedantic insistence on perfect grammar made the meeting drag on.”
What is another word for “pedantic”?
Words with a similar meaning to “pedantic” include pedantical.
What part of speech is “pedantic”?
“Pedantic” is an adjective.
