METICULOUS Synonyms: 82 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'meticulous' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of meticulous are careful , punctilious , and scrupulous . While all these words mean "showing close attention to detail," meticulous may imply either commendable extreme carefulness or a hampering finicky caution over small points. // meticulous scholarship

Q: When can 'careful' be used instead of 'meticulous'?

The words careful and meticulous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, careful implies attentiveness and cautiousness in avoiding mistakes. // a careful worker

Q: When would 'punctilious' be a good substitute for 'meticulous'?

The meanings of punctilious and meticulous largely overlap; however, punctilious implies minute, even excessive attention to fine points. // punctilious observance of ritual

Q: In what contexts can 'scrupulous' take the place of 'meticulous'?

In some situations, the words scrupulous and meticulous are roughly equivalent. However, scrupulous applies to what is proper or fitting or ethical. // scrupulous honesty

meticulous

adjective

mə-ˈti-kyə-ləs

Definition of meticulous next

as in careful

taking, showing, or involving great care and effort did a meticulous job of restoring the painting

Synonyms & Similar Words

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meticulous attention

impeccable attention

fastidious attention

precise attention

intricate attention

diligent attention

meticulous research

assiduous research

thorough research

extensive research

painstaking research

scrupulous research

meticulous planning

careful planning

rigorous planning

elaborate planning

diligent planning

intricate planning

Synonym Chooser

How is the word meticulous different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of meticulous are careful, punctilious, and scrupulous. While all these words mean "showing close attention to detail," meticulous may imply either commendable extreme carefulness or a hampering finicky caution over small points.

meticulous scholarship

When can careful be used instead of meticulous?

The words careful and meticulous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, careful implies attentiveness and cautiousness in avoiding mistakes.

a careful worker

When would punctilious be a good substitute for meticulous?

The meanings of punctilious and meticulous largely overlap; however, punctilious implies minute, even excessive attention to fine points.

punctilious observance of ritual

In what contexts can scrupulous take the place of meticulous?

In some situations, the words scrupulous and meticulous are roughly equivalent. However, scrupulous applies to what is proper or fitting or ethical.

scrupulous honesty

Examples of meticulous in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Before his arrest, with regard to his own security, Dominique was meticulous to a fault. —

Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 3 Oct. 2024 Then in 2015, the FS Foundation rescued the vintage train and embarked on a meticulous restoration that balanced a return to the original design with the introduction of the necessary technology to operate on the electric tracks that Italy runs on today. —

Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Sep. 2024 Ruthless in its satire and unrelenting in its approach, writer and showrunner Jon Brown’s half-hour series is a meticulous, all-out assault on superhero sagas. —

Ben Travers, IndieWire, 2 Oct. 2024 Her secret: Duo Lash Glue, and a very meticulous application method (that’s worth the watch in and of itself). —

Grace McCarty, SELF, 2 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for meticulous

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'meticulous.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.