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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective conscientious differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of conscientious are honest, honorable, just, scrupulous, and upright. While all these words mean "having or showing a strict regard for what is morally right," conscientious and scrupulous imply an active moral sense governing all one's actions and painstaking efforts to follow one's conscience.

conscientious in the completion of her assignments
scrupulous in carrying out the terms of the will

When can honest be used instead of conscientious?

Although the words honest and conscientious have much in common, honest stresses adherence to such virtues as truthfulness, candor, or fairness.

known for being honest in business dealings

When could honorable be used to replace conscientious?

The synonyms honorable and conscientious are sometimes interchangeable, but honorable suggests a firm holding to codes of right behavior and the guidance of a high sense of honor and duty.

a difficult but honorable decision

Where would just be a reasonable alternative to conscientious?

The words just and conscientious can be used in similar contexts, but just stresses conscious choice and regular practice of what is right or equitable.

workers given just compensation

When is upright a more appropriate choice than conscientious?

In some situations, the words upright and conscientious are roughly equivalent. However, upright implies a strict adherence to moral principles.

a stern and upright minister

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of conscientious The same goes for climate-conscious wine producers: Environmentally responsible practices are critically important, but if a producer doesn't make enough money to survive, then those ecologically conscientious efforts will vanish along with the business itself. Brian Freedman, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024 This often necessitates conscientious efforts and systemic changes in the company culture. Mo Hamzian, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2024 And few bands are as conscientious about pairing up with and promoting younger artists from all over the world. Alex Morris, Rolling Stone, 19 Dec. 2024 The team’s conscientious handling of Curry has worked. Danny Emerman, The Mercury News, 2 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for conscientious 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conscientious
Adjective
  • And for those who were denied an honorable discharge, the Pentagon would commit to a streamlined upgrade review process.
    Matthew Mosk, CBS News, 6 Jan. 2025
  • Brienne of Tarth The most honorable knight in Westeros doesn't have a bad bone in her body.
    Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 1 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • From general manager Kyle Davidson on down, the Blackhawks are always careful not to criticize Jones.
    Scott Powers, The Athletic, 14 Jan. 2025
  • But be careful when scrolling, as the answers are at the end of the article.
    John Mac Ghlionn, Newsweek, 14 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Balancing cost efficiency with environmental and ethical standards adds another layer of complexity to the already difficult exercise of supply chain management, Bland added.
    SJ Studio, Sourcing Journal, 10 Jan. 2025
  • However, effective deployment requires careful attention to ethical considerations and user privacy to ensure consumer confidence in these systems.
    Glen Robinson, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • His meticulous documentation highlights the importance of clear communication in the design process, ensuring that concepts can be effectively shared and built upon by others.
    Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
  • In addition to meticulous maintenance of their backyard rink, fierce support of the LGBTQ+ community is among the passions that drives Jon and Jessica Merrill.
    Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 10 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Instead, neo-temperates are shifting social and, yes, moral norms about alcohol by emphasizing its effects on health.
    Shayla Love, The Atlantic, 13 Jan. 2025
  • In contrast to moral philosophers, who search for abstract principles of right and wrong, moral psychologists are interested in the empirical matter of people’s perceptions.
    Elizabeth Kolbert, The New Yorker, 13 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Bisset, 80, gave a loving introduction to Jolie, 49, at the Palm Springs International Film Festival’s film awards gala on Friday, Jan. 3, praising the Oscar winner’s work in Maria .
    Jack Smart, People.com, 5 Jan. 2025
  • By opting for hospice care, Carter embraced a plan designed to manage pain, ensure comfort and provide emotional and spiritual support, all while surrounded by family in the familiar and loving environment of his Plains, Ga., home.
    Stacey Manley, The Mercury News, 4 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • When asked how the Buccaneers have been able to battle back through adversity throughout the season and remain a winning product, Evans had a blunt, but honest answer.
    DJ Siddiqi, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025
  • Online slots work on an RNG (Random Number Generation) model, ensuring a fair and honest outcome for every player.
    Matthew Gover, Miami Herald, 6 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • When deciding to purchase a franchise, conduct diligent research.
    Michael McFall, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025
  • Weather gossip filled his incoming mail with friends, like James Madison and Ezra Stiles, who sent diligent reports.
    Sara Georgini, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 Jan. 2025

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Thesaurus Entries Near conscientious

Cite this Entry

“Conscientious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conscientious. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on conscientious

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