meticulous

adjective

mə-ˈti-kyə-ləs How to pronounce meticulous (audio)
Definition of meticulousnext
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 Harris also helped shape the movie’s imagination sequences, pushing Pixar’s artists toward more spontaneous, painterly images rather than the studio’s usual meticulous realism. — Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026 There’s an urgency, but the meticulous tone appears calmer than the average high school football practice. — Jack Leo, AJC.com, 15 Oct. 2026 Other executives describe him as pragmatic, meticulous, and unifying. — Andrew R. Chow, Time, 15 Oct. 2026 His white room represented his meticulous palette and, quite possibly, a desire for control over Lina, who inhabited it. — Literary Hub, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for meticulous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for meticulous
  1. careful
  2. conscientious
  3. loving
  4. diligent
Adjective
  • Along with potentially leeching microplastics into your food, plastic food storage containers absorb stains, odors, and flavors, and many require careful hand-washing to prevent them from warping.
    — Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Gallery visitors were careful not to step on the sprawling assemblage of photographs, drawings and artifacts scattered across the floor.
    — Jane Horowitz, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of careful
Adjective
  • Once reading time kicked off during a recent meetup, the only sounds from the group were the quiet rustle of pages turning and the conscientious nibbling of snacks and sipping of tea as the cafe continued its bustle.
    — Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Even if every senator were ethical, conscientious and committed to the public good, the incentives would remain the same.
    — Nicholas Jacobs, The Conversation, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of conscientious
Adjective
  • In the series premiere, television personality and bestselling author Amanda Kloots opens up about grief, happiness and loving after loss.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026
  • The child studying English was met with loving lament, while the one pursuing computer science at Stanford University was the flag post of family pride.
    — Kamau Bobb October 21, Literary Hub, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of loving
Adjective
  • Both players are diligent with preparation and exude a toughness that coaches love.
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Receiving that crown of life comes through diligent prayer, and we are helped along the way at various checkpoints.
    — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of diligent

Browse Nearby Words

meticulosity
meticulous
meticulously
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Cite this Entry

“Meticulous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/meticulous. Accessed 30 Oct. 2026.

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