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

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 meticulous This meticulous preparation paid off, particularly during one of the film’s most harrowing sequences — when the broadcast team receives false information that the hostages have survived, only to later learn the grim truth. —

Clayton Davis, Variety, 29 Oct. 2024 If Boeing could overcome these challenges by means of regulatory control, meticulous planning, and strategic sector division, a breakup would enable the business to concentrate on core areas and increase operational efficiency even with these hazards. —

Jim Osman, Forbes, 26 Oct. 2024 Much of the production design of Ryan Murphy’s Netflix series is a meticulous recreation of the Menendez’s home, aided by crime scene photos. —

Mark Peikert, IndieWire, 18 Oct. 2024 The West, defaulting to this idealized imagery, has viewed Japan’s design sensibilities over time as a paragon of elevated taste and meticulous minimalism. —

Longreads, 18 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for meticulous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for meticulous

Adjective

This process begins with careful curation and labeling of data before it's fed into AI models.

Rehan Jalil, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
The researchers are careful to point out that this method was intended to work only with cooperative participants.

Avery Hurt, Discover Magazine, 5 Nov. 2024