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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective scrupulous differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of scrupulous are conscientious, honest, honorable, just, 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 could honest be used to replace scrupulous?

In some situations, the words honest and scrupulous are roughly equivalent. However, honest stresses adherence to such virtues as truthfulness, candor, or fairness.

known for being honest in business dealings

When would honorable be a good substitute for scrupulous?

The words honorable and scrupulous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

When might just be a better fit than scrupulous?

The words just and scrupulous 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 it sensible to use upright instead of scrupulous?

While in some cases nearly identical to scrupulous, upright implies a strict adherence to moral principles.

a stern and upright minister

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 scrupulous Improvements were barely perceptible to begin with but my doctor’s strategies proved helpful in time: a very dull and scrupulous diet, herbs for liver support, daily sweating, and crucially, charcoal tablets that bind with mould. Melissa Kenny, refinery29.com, 30 Oct. 2024 Paragon, which characterizes itself as a scrupulous kind of spyware maker, is likely responding to the US government’s global push for responsible surveillance. Vas Panagiotopoulos, WIRED, 1 Oct. 2024 Russia's dependence on fuel exports to Europe would be just as great even with a team of committed democrats and scrupulous public servants running the Kremlin. Andrei Shleifer, Foreign Affairs, 1 Jan. 2011 The scrupulous selection process has turned finding a new job into a lengthy process. Jack Kelly, Forbes, 8 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for scrupulous 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scrupulous
Adjective
  • Booker previously served in the United States Army but was removed from the military with a less than honorable discharge after going AWOL in 2017, Fox 2 Detroit reported, citing court documents.
    Michael Dorgan, Fox News, 14 Jan. 2025
  • Captain Dellinger of the US Army is an honorable man who only seeks the truth, and whose writing is filled with hope for a better future.
    Erik Kain, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • He is known for his meticulous attention to detail and inventive use of textures and layering, with an architectural approach to minimalism, all with a sportswear bent.
    Rhonda Richford, WWD, 25 Jan. 2025
  • The process of excavation, identification, and DNA matching is meticulous and complex, requiring advanced scientific expertise and relentless determination.
    Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 24 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Though the two had great respect for each other's writing, their styles remained distinct, Fletcher in the spare style of the poet, Simon in her painstaking, conscientious prose.
    arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 25 Jan. 2025
  • He is known as an elite locker-room presence but has never been a particularly conscientious defender.
    Sam Vecenie, The Athletic, 23 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Bass has employed a more careful and conciliatory tone.
    Julia Wick, Los Angeles Times, 25 Jan. 2025
  • Leopold cautioned immigrants of any religious, national or ethnic background to be careful traveling.
    Pioneer Press, Chicago Tribune, 25 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • By launching an adaptive range, Primark positions itself as a leader in ethical, forward-thinking retail.
    Kate Hardcastle, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
  • One giant ethical concern centers on Trump’s majority ownership of the tokens: 80% of the coin’s supply is held by Trump Organization affiliates CIC Digital and Fight Fight Fight LLC — a concentration that appears designed to personally enrich the president.
    Allison Morrow, CNN, 21 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Every child deserves the opportunity to grow up in a stable and loving home, and every parent deserves the chance to provide that environment without the shadow of systemic bias looming over them.
    Jumara Perry, Baltimore Sun, 20 Jan. 2025
  • In a short time, my relationship with my mom has gotten more loving and more fun.
    Sara Sidner, CNN, 19 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • On its surface, this disquieting diptych about male anxiety has the feel of, say, an Asghar Farhadi movie, a moral dilemma urging forth a thriller plot.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 25 Jan. 2025
  • Interpretations of freedom of speech and religious freedom: Tensions can emerge when DEI efforts conflict with individuals’ moral and religious beliefs.
    London Business School, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Herbert is way too talented, too good an athlete, too intelligent, too diligent and too well-respected by his colleagues not to succeed.
    Mirjam Swanson, Orange County Register, 15 Jan. 2025
  • Be diligent about knowing the state of your employees.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025

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Thesaurus Entries Near scrupulous

Cite this Entry

“Scrupulous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scrupulous. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

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