methodical

adjective

me·​thod·​i·​cal mə-ˈthä-di-kəl 

variants or less commonly methodic

mə-ˈthä-dik 

1

: arranged, characterized by, or performed with method or order

a methodical treatment of the subject

2

: habitually proceeding according to method : systematic

methodical in his daily routine

a methodical worker

methodically

mə-ˈthä-di-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

methodicalness

mə-ˈthä-di-kəl-nəs 

noun

Synonyms of methodical

• systematic
• organized
• systematized

Examples of methodical in a Sentence

Their methodical review of the evidence exposed some problems with the study's findings.

She's a slow and methodical worker, and her drawings reflect the extra care she takes.

Recent Examples on the Web

Survival beyond Earth won't hinge on heroics as much as planning, engineering and being as methodical as the threats deep space presents. —Alan Bradley, Space.com, 8 May 2026

The Golden Knights are more methodical, more physical. —Eric Stephens, New York Times, 7 May 2026

At the core of this discussion is the famous Voting Rights Act of 1965, which actively took aim at methodical efforts to dilute the voting power of Black Americans. —Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 6 May 2026

Polina Bulatetskaya, fleet housekeeping manager at Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, says a methodical top-to-bottom, clockwise routine helps ensure nothing gets missed. —Colleen Sullivan, Martha Stewart, 2 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1570, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for methodical

• periodical

Kids Definition

methodical

adjective

me·​thod·​i·​cal mə-ˈthäd-i-kəl 

1

: marked by or performed or arranged by method or order

a methodical search

2

: being in the habit of following a method : systematic

a methodical teacher

methodically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

methodicalness

-i-kəl-nəs 

noun