anal

[eyn-l] / ˈeɪn l /

ADJECTIVE

excessively orderly

Synonyms

STRONGEST

fussy persnickety picky

STRONG

fastidious nitpicking

WEAK

meticulous particular stickling

Antonyms

STRONGEST

messy nonchalant

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Pelvic radiotherapy for anal cancer can cause significant, long-term vaginal damage due to the proximity of the vaginal tissues to the treatment area.

From BBC • Mar. 18, 2026

Dr Catherine Hanna, a consultant clinical oncologist at the Belfast Health Trust, said anal cancer is treatable - with radiotherapy - if diagnosed early.

From BBC • Mar. 18, 2026

I’m going to be like a really anal New York Times reporter.

From Slate • Feb. 4, 2026

I’m kind of anal about how I choose the colors and how I highlight everything.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 14, 2025

“All right, guys, thanks for watching! Gotta double-check my afternoon and evening meds now. You know how anal I am. I hope everyone has a great week. Bye!”

From "Five Feet Apart" by Rachael Lippincott