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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
  • And for those who were denied an honorable discharge, the Pentagon would commit to a streamlined upgrade review process.
    Matthew Mosk, CBS News, 6 Jan. 2025
  • Brienne of Tarth The most honorable knight in Westeros doesn't have a bad bone in her body.
    Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 1 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Again, do not forget to keep meticulous notes on what’s discussed in these meetings, along with the dates.
    Michael Y. Park, Architectural Digest, 10 Jan. 2025
  • In addition to meticulous maintenance of their backyard rink, fierce support of the LGBTQ+ community is among the passions that drives Jon and Jessica Merrill.
    Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 10 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Bluestone was not an environmentally conscientious operator.
    Christopher Helman, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
  • Even in our personal lives, studies show that those who are conscientious or have agreeable dispositions are more likely to acquiesce to others’ demands.
    Dr. Sunita Sah, TIME, 4 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • But be careful when scrolling, as the answers are at the end of the article.
    John Mac Ghlionn, Newsweek, 14 Jan. 2025
  • From general manager Kyle Davidson on down, the Blackhawks are always careful not to criticize Jones.
    Scott Powers, The Athletic, 14 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Balancing cost efficiency with environmental and ethical standards adds another layer of complexity to the already difficult exercise of supply chain management, Bland added.
    SJ Studio, Sourcing Journal, 10 Jan. 2025
  • However, effective deployment requires careful attention to ethical considerations and user privacy to ensure consumer confidence in these systems.
    Glen Robinson, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Bisset, 80, gave a loving introduction to Jolie, 49, at the Palm Springs International Film Festival’s film awards gala on Friday, Jan. 3, praising the Oscar winner’s work in Maria .
    Jack Smart, People.com, 5 Jan. 2025
  • By opting for hospice care, Carter embraced a plan designed to manage pain, ensure comfort and provide emotional and spiritual support, all while surrounded by family in the familiar and loving environment of his Plains, Ga., home.
    Stacey Manley, The Mercury News, 4 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Nietzsche’s treatise criticizes philosophers who rest their moral framework on the assumption that good and evil are opposites.
    Bethy Squires, Vulture, 13 Jan. 2025
  • In contrast to moral philosophers, who search for abstract principles of right and wrong, moral psychologists are interested in the empirical matter of people’s perceptions.
    Elizabeth Kolbert, The New Yorker, 13 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • When deciding to purchase a franchise, conduct diligent research.
    Michael McFall, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025
  • Weather gossip filled his incoming mail with friends, like James Madison and Ezra Stiles, who sent diligent reports.
    Sara Georgini, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 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 20 Jan. 2025.

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