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

Landman and similar shows may focus on the drama, but the less flashy, more methodical side of the business has shaped my journey in oil and gas—and keeps me invested in it today. —Jay R. Young, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024

Nakagawa, 39, is a Coast Guard commander: stoic, methodical, an engineer by trade. —Erin Edwards, ProPublica, 13 Dec. 2024

What’s going on right now is methodical, measured, even cautious in comparison. —Greg McKenna, Fortune, 21 Nov. 2024

Baltimore rolled to a methodical 30-23 win over the Chargers on Monday night that was much more dominant than the score might indicate. —C.j. Doon, Baltimore Sun, 26 Nov. 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