methodical

adjective

me·​thod·​i·​cal mə-ˈthä-di-kəl How to pronounce methodical (audio)
variants or less commonly methodic
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 adverb
methodicalness noun

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
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.
But the truth is that the more powers are unlocked, the less methodical the combat becomes. Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 20 Oct. 2025 Florida coach Billy Napier was fired Sunday despite a win over Mississippi State, seven games and four losses into another lackluster season in which the Gators slipped further behind the SEC’s top programs as his methodical build never turned the corner. Matt Baker, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025 In a methodical manner, the answers are gradually becoming more apparent. Pranjal Malewar, New Atlas, 18 Oct. 2025 In the first half, Carver started the contest with a methodical 20-play drive that ate nearly 15 minutes off the clock and ended with a 17-yard pass from senior Natham Helms to senior Amare Santos to go up 6-0 after the two-point conversion was no good. Brian Roach, Boston Herald, 18 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for methodical

Word History

First Known Use

1570, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of methodical was in 1570

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Cite this Entry

“Methodical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/methodical. Accessed 27 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

methodical

adjective
me·​thod·​i·​cal mə-ˈthäd-i-kəl How to pronounce methodical (audio)
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 adverb
methodicalness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on methodical

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