Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of punctilious are careful, meticulous, and scrupulous. While all these words mean "showing close attention to detail," punctilious implies minute, even excessive attention to fine points.

punctilious observance of ritual

Where would careful be a reasonable alternative to punctilious?

The synonyms careful and punctilious are sometimes interchangeable, but careful implies attentiveness and cautiousness in avoiding mistakes.

a careful worker

In what contexts can meticulous take the place of punctilious?

The words meticulous and punctilious can be used in similar contexts, but meticulous may imply either commendable extreme carefulness or a hampering finicky caution over small points.

meticulous scholarship

When can scrupulous be used instead of punctilious?

While the synonyms scrupulous and punctilious are close in meaning, scrupulous applies to what is proper or fitting or ethical.

scrupulous honesty

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 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for punctilious
Adjective
  • Photo : Noel Kleinman/The Oppenheim Group The formal dining room.
    Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 21 Mar. 2025
  • This could range from formal presentations to informal conversations, emails or even social media within the company, depending on your audience and the nature of your message.
    Heather V. MacArthur, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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
  • The legal document details that Lawrence didn’t have the correct paperwork to take her dog, a 9-year-old miniature schnauzer, on the flight and was subsequently turned away.
    Marc Griffin, VIBE.com, 20 Mar. 2025
  • The Margate man was driving a Ford Focus into oncoming traffic in the inside lane of North University Drive when his two left tires entered the center lane, colliding with the left side of a 2023 Hyundai Elantra that was traveling in the correct flow of traffic, according to FHP.
    Angie DiMichele, Sun Sentinel, 20 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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
  • Suede bags are still everywhere and a nice commercial proposal adapted to many trends.
    Sandra Salibian, WWD, 17 Mar. 2025
  • The sound quality is crisp and full-bodied, with a nice bass punch, and the Immersive Audio feature adds a fun, spatial touch to your listening.
    Shubham Yewale, PCMAG, 17 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Bulbs that aren't provided with the proper conditions are unlikely to produce flowers.
    Lauren David, Southern Living, 15 Mar. 2025
  • However, in Illinois, a lawsuit has been filed against Samsara, alleging violations of the Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA) for capturing and storing drivers' facial scans without proper consent.
    Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, Fox News, 15 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Pope Misses Start of Lent The Catholic Church began the solemn Lenten season on Wednesday without Pope Francis because of his ongoing hospitalization.
    Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 6 Mar. 2025
  • The Catholic Church opened the solemn Lenten season without the pope's participation.
    Bradford Betz, Fox News, 6 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Punctilious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/punctilious. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on punctilious

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