as in formal
marked by or showing careful attention to set forms and details
old-money aristocrats with a punctilious sense of propriety
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Recent Examples of punctilious
Rudolf, before he is eventually tasked with moving on to another camp, is a punctilious, contented autocrat.
—
Peter Rainer, The Christian Science Monitor, 14 Dec. 2023
The Pith: Honorable intent and punctilious adherence to proper form and method does not guarantee a set of results which flesh out a genuine phenomenon.
—Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 23 May 2011
His punctilious, every-word-counts lyricism makes your head hurt in a good way, like GZA’s Liquid Swords, Ghostface Killah’s Supreme Clientele, and RZA’s Gravediggaz work all congealed in a thrilling sonic stew.
—Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 24 Aug. 2023
As a protocol officer for Mr. Xi, Mr. Qin was exhaustively punctilious, said Pavel Slunkin, who was a Belarusian diplomat involved in arranging a visit by Mr. Xi to Belarus in 2015.
—David Pierson, New York Times, 26 July 2023
See All Example Sentences for punctilious
Peter Rainer, The Christian Science Monitor, 14 Dec. 2023
The Pith: Honorable intent and punctilious adherence to proper form and method does not guarantee a set of results which flesh out a genuine phenomenon.
—Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 23 May 2011
His punctilious, every-word-counts lyricism makes your head hurt in a good way, like GZA’s Liquid Swords, Ghostface Killah’s Supreme Clientele, and RZA’s Gravediggaz work all congealed in a thrilling sonic stew.
—Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 24 Aug. 2023
As a protocol officer for Mr. Xi, Mr. Qin was exhaustively punctilious, said Pavel Slunkin, who was a Belarusian diplomat involved in arranging a visit by Mr. Xi to Belarus in 2015.
—David Pierson, New York Times, 26 July 2023
See All Example Sentences for punctilious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for punctilious
Adjective
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The family posed for Christmas photos in matching red formal wear and themed elf onesies in 2023, when Alcala was pregnant with Alianna.—
Nasha Smith,
People.com,
3 Apr. 2025
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Executives who once retired at 60 are now pursuing encore careers or taking on advisory roles that keep them engaged without occupying formal posts.—
Benjamin Laker,
Forbes.com,
2 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Aside from a series of gruesome martyr scenes frescoed on the interior wall of the second ring in the late 16th century, the decor reflects late Imperial taste for decorous abstraction and costly materials.—
The New York Times,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
2 Mar. 2025
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Is there any decorous way to acknowledge my failure to do so over the past few years and to express my regret?—
Judith Martin,
The Mercury News,
22 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
What Happens Next If Morgan is correct, Harry's standing in the broader royal family may be worse than previously thought.—
Josh Hammer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Apr. 2025
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Personalization can only happen if AI has access to all of the necessary and correct data.—
Rohan Joshi,
Forbes.com,
31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The ceremony sets the stage for each day’s contests and activities which include a ceremonious entrance led by a Native American veteran color guard, visiting dignitaries and tribal royalty, followed by dancers of all ages.—
Staff Reports,
Twin Cities,
6 Feb. 2025
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Roberts began the process while Melania was still finalizing her position, which may have disrupted the ceremonious act.—
Lizzie Hyman,
People.com,
20 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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In this chicken noodle casserole, the pasta is perfectly cooked and creamy, with bits of chicken adding a nice bite and different texture.—
Jasmine Smith,
Southern Living,
9 Apr. 2025
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The physical edition even includes a full-color manual like the good old days, which is a nice touch.—
David Jagneaux,
Forbes.com,
9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The government insisted the nonprofits didn't have standing to bring this case on behalf of the employees because the employees themselves needed go through the proper, yet limited, channels to challenge their firings, with each employee fighting his or her own battle.—
Christina Gatti,
NPR,
8 Apr. 2025
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All my Social Security user logins are again able to connect and view the proper benefit information.—
Aimee Picchi,
CBS News,
8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The noble profile of a solemn, aging Great Dane named Apollo dominates Scott McGehee and David Siegel’s The Friend, a movie nominally about the difficulties of caring for a pet in New York City.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
28 Mar. 2025
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Then, with his hopes of starting the season in the major leagues officially dashed, Hinch and his family began the solemn drive from Philly to the team’s Triple-A site in Scranton, Pa.—
Cody Stavenhagen,
The Athletic,
25 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Punctilious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/punctilious. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.
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