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

Companies such as Toyota and Ford took a methodical approach to their transition toward hybrid and electric vehicles. —Georgia Godfrey, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024

Overall, the report found that consumers are engaging in holiday shopping with a very methodical approach this year. —Alexandra Pastore, WWD, 28 Oct. 2024

To sit with them quietly and listen to their methodical chewing was unexpectedly restorative. —Holden Frith, The Week Uk, theweek, 26 Oct. 2024

In Relay, however, the service is used to maintain anonymity by a man (Riz Ahmed) whose name might be Tom, or Ash, or something else, a cool, methodical professional who helps protect whistleblowers that have had a change of heart. —Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 9 Sep. 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