methodical

adjective

me·​thod·​i·​cal mə-ˈthä-di-kəl 

variants or less commonly methodic

mə-ˈthä-dik 

1

: arranged, characterized by, or performed with method or order

a methodical treatment of the subject

2

: habitually proceeding according to method : systematic

methodical in his daily routine

a methodical worker

methodically

mə-ˈthä-di-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

methodicalness

mə-ˈthä-di-kəl-nəs 

noun

Synonyms

• neat
• orderly
• organized
• regular
• systematic
• systematized

Examples of methodical in a Sentence

Their methodical review of the evidence exposed some problems with the study's findings.

She's a slow and methodical worker, and her drawings reflect the extra care she takes.

Recent Examples on the Web

The methodical editing that chops everything into a pabulum-like TV hash? —Matt Brennan, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2024

His methodical fact-finding suggests the CEO hunt is still in the early stages, with executive search firm Russell Reynolds Associates Inc. aiding the process, according to people familiar with the process. —Julie Johnsson, Fortune, 16 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1570, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

methodical

adjective

me·​thod·​i·​cal mə-ˈthäd-i-kəl 

1

: marked by or performed or arranged by method or order

a methodical search

2

: being in the habit of following a method : systematic

a methodical teacher

methodically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

methodicalness

-i-kəl-nəs 

noun