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 filmmaking retains a steady, methodical placidity throughout—to match the plainness of everything but the suspense. —Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2024

From calendars and lists to batch cooking and printed spreadsheets, Ranu’s approach to managing her son’s medical care and the daily tasks of her household is both methodical and practical. —Jack McCullough, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024

While this is certainly a methodical way to go about creating an analogous color scheme that prioritizes the base color, for those who want a more fluid approach, consider Butler’s process, which prioritizes feeling happiness above all else. —Shelby Deering, Architectural Digest, 23 Oct. 2024

Virgo: Thing Like a methodical Virgo, Thing keeps things very mindful and demure in The Addams Family. —Athena Sobhan, People.com, 14 Oct. 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