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stickler Definition

stick·ler (stik′lər)

noun

  1. a person who insists on the strict observance of something specified: usually with for a stickler for discipline
  2. ☆ Informal something puzzling or difficult to solve

Etymology: see stickle

stickler Synonyms

stickler

n.

  1. A zealot

    devotee, fanatic, contender; see follower, zealot.

  2. *A puzzle

    enigma, riddle, paradox; see irony, puzzle 2.

stickler Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • become: Why they have suddenly become sticklers for paperwork, we don't know, " he told a news conference.

Preposition: for

  • accuracy: Being a pedantic old academic I'm a stickler for accuracy.
  • rule: To others it might seem that you're being a stickler for rules.
  • detail: John ] From Doug Myers Good job I am an stickler for detail!
  • tradition: Travel Jinx Posted by evilnick ( August 15th, 2006 ) At LXF Towers we are sticklers for tradition.
  • cleanliness: We had not got much furniture but my father who had been in WW1 was a stickler for cleanliness.
  • service: A real stickler for good service, you're someone who constantly wants to raise standards in your work.

Adjective modifier

  • such: It is a pity, however, that such sticklers don't share the author's ( fairly over-the-top ) sense of humor.
  • real: A real stickler for good service, you're someone who constantly wants to raise standards in your work.
  • great: Steve Rogers, our coach, is a great stickler for fitness!
  • absolute: I know him, and he is an absolute stickler for conservation, and never does anything extreme.

Modifies a noun

  • syndrome: Stickler syndrome is the commonest inherited cause of retinal detachment in children.