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

Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of meticulous Full credit to these undertakings; each one is an incredibly meticulous, self-reflective work that avoids an easy, by-the-numbers approach. —

David Sims, The Atlantic, 14 Feb. 2025 One part meticulous planning, one part alchemy—that’s their secret sauce. —

Vogue, 13 Feb. 2025 The journey of a rose from the farm to the consumer is a meticulous process that involves multiple stages, Penn said. —

Taylor Johnston, CBS News, 11 Feb. 2025 The meticulous recreation is bookended, so to speak, by exhibits. —

David G. Allan, CNN, 27 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for meticulous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for meticulous

Adjective

Mayor Cherelle Parker advises citizens on Thursday to be careful when celebrating the Super Bowl.

— Phil Helsel, NBC News, 7 Feb. 2025
Be careful to not over mix the bread-stir just until combined for a better texture.

— Bev Barrett, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025