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 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 meticulous Matthews, a meticulous strategist, brands himself and his deadly cause through his aesthetic. —

Mark Peikert, IndieWire, 7 Dec. 2024 For a movie shot in such wide-open landscapes, The Order is tinged through with claustrophobia, a testament to the tension rife throughout Baylin’s writing and Kurzel’s meticulous direction. —

Ali Winston, WIRED, 6 Dec. 2024 The setup risks absurdity—the cast (which includes Nathan) essentially wears gorilla suits—but the premise is developed with meticulous and quasi-biological specificity, anthropological rigor, and imaginative speculation about the creatures’ emotions and senses of selfhood. —

Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 5 Dec. 2024 Inside the house, the intensely meticulous nature of the construction reveals itself with quite the opposite effect. —

Mayer Rus, Architectural Digest, 5 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for meticulous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for meticulous

Adjective

After that, Buckley seemed more careful about positioning, doing his best to keep the action in the open while not allowing Covington to close in and work from the clinch.

Trent Reinsmith, Forbes, 15 Dec. 2024
Behind, kids are hoisted — careful with that hot chocolate!

Ron Grossman, Chicago Tribune, 15 Dec. 2024