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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

Example 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 Zegna excelled in presenting fluid silhouettes with expert layering, delivering a modern twist on tailoring through meticulous construction and a conscientious approach to materials. Luisa Zargani, WWD, 21 Jan. 2025 Seth Meyers loves to take a photo with a fan, Seth Meyers is a conscientious tipper, Aidy Bryant hasn’t gone cashless in this world of Apple Pay, and Meyers always repays his debts. Bethy Squires, Vulture, 17 Jan. 2025 According to recent research in the Psychology Bulletin, certain children tend to be the favorites, as parents may be more inclined to treat their daughters, as well as their agreeable and conscientious children, better. Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 16 Jan. 2025 Bluestone was not an environmentally conscientious operator. Christopher Helman, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for conscientious 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conscientious
Adjective
  • Their legacy and honorable service to our Nation will forever remain.
    Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 1 Feb. 2025
  • This only further confirmed to me that Justin and Wayfarer are exceedingly honorable and highly ethical.
    Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 23 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Mayor Cherelle Parker advises citizens on Thursday to be careful when celebrating the Super Bowl.
    Phil Helsel, NBC News, 7 Feb. 2025
  • Be careful to not over mix the bread-stir just until combined for a better texture.
    Bev Barrett, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Part of the consideration for Justice Department lawyers is whether simply signing the document would mean risking their bar license, since major ethical objections have already been made to dropping the case.
    Devlin Barrett, New York Times, 15 Feb. 2025
  • Adams appeared on Fox and Friends Friday morning with Trump's border czar, Tom Homan, who appeared to talk about an agreement, which the prosecutors in New York flagged as an enormous legal and ethical problem.
    Carrie Johnson, NPR, 14 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Follow the marvelously meticulous writer of this newsletter on social media @jimreineking.
    Jim Reineking, USA TODAY, 18 Feb. 2025
  • Being meticulous scored points with a couple of people who went with Evan Bouchard.
    Daniel Nugent-Bowman, The Athletic, 17 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The law was a moral and practical victory, ensuring that millions of children with disabilities could no longer be excluded from public schools.
    Scott White, Forbes, 18 Feb. 2025
  • This is a moral failing that demands immediate action by our leaders.
    Christine Quinn, New York Daily News, 17 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The most important thing is to drown out the noise, forget the optics, and focus on creating your most loving experience on Valentine’s Day and beyond.
    Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 11 Feb. 2025
  • Cheryl will be remembered as a very loving mother who cherished her daughters, grandchildren, family and many friends.
    Contributed Content, Twin Cities, 6 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • These orders, including the most recent one, issued February 5, honor honest scientific inquiry and reverse the trend of activists distorting the scientific picture.
    Justin Gest, Newsweek, 10 Feb. 2025
  • Open, honest communication with your healthcare team is one of the best ways to prepare for what lies ahead and improve your quality of life.
    Nick Blackmer, Verywell Health, 10 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • If the amount of delinquencies shown in the balance sheet is too large, perhaps the board is not being sufficiently diligent in the unhappy business of pursuing delinquent owners.
    Kelly G. Richardson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Feb. 2025
  • Users should be diligent about verifying any unexpected file-sharing notification that hits their inbox and remain cautious of documents prompting sensitive actions, such as logging into accounts.
    Mike Britton, Forbes, 24 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 21 Feb. 2025.

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