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

As the judge made clear at yesterday’s hearing, the evidence shows a plan to attack Max and Michael, and its methodical implementation. —Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 18 Apr. 2025

Continuous Improvement: The Film Room Mentality Throughout his career, Rich Gannon's approach to improvement was methodical and unflinching. —Omaid Homayun, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025

That kind of methodical thinking made an impression. —Gili Malinsky, CNBC, 28 Mar. 2025

With its methodical lunar exploration program, dating to 2007, China has had a string of successes with robotic missions, including last summer's return of samples from the far side of the Moon. —ArsTechnica, 27 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1570, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for methodical

• periodical

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