scrupulous

adjective

scru·​pu·​lous ˈskrü-pyə-ləs 

1

: having moral integrity : acting in strict regard for what is considered right or proper

2

: punctiliously exact : painstaking

working with scrupulous care

scrupulously adverb

scrupulousness noun

Did you know?

People described as “scrupulous” might feel discomfort in anything that challenges their moral sensibilities. Such challenges might present a nagging feeling, much as a sharp pebble in a shoe might nag a walker intent on getting somewhere. And we are getting somewhere. The origin of scrupulous is founded in just such a pebble. Scrupulous and its close relative scruple (“a feeling that prevents you from doing something that you think is wrong”) both come from the Latin noun scrupulus, “a small sharp stone,” the diminutive of scrupus, “a sharp stone.” Scrupus has a metaphorical meaning too: “a source of anxiety or uneasiness.” When the adjective scrupulous entered the English language in the 15th century, it meant “principled,” as in “having moral integrity,” but it now also commonly means “painstaking” or “careful.”

Synonyms

• honorable
• conscientious
• ethical
• moral
• honest

Choose the Right Synonym for scrupulous

upright, honest, just, conscientious, scrupulous, honorable mean having or showing a strict regard for what is morally right.

upright implies a strict adherence to moral principles.

a stern and upright minister

honest stresses adherence to such virtues as truthfulness, candor, or fairness.

known for being honest in business dealings

just stresses conscious choice and regular practice of what is right or equitable.

workers given just compensation

conscientious and scrupulous imply an active moral sense governing all one's actions and painstaking efforts to follow one's conscience.

conscientious in the completion of her assignments

scrupulous in carrying out the terms of the will

honorable suggests a firm holding to codes of right behavior and the guidance of a high sense of honor and duty.

a difficult but honorable decision

careful, meticulous, scrupulous, punctilious mean showing close attention to detail.

careful implies attentiveness and cautiousness in avoiding mistakes.

a careful worker

meticulous may imply either commendable extreme carefulness or a hampering finicky caution over small points.

meticulous scholarship

scrupulous applies to what is proper or fitting or ethical.

scrupulous honesty

punctilious implies minute, even excessive attention to fine points.

punctilious observance of ritual

Examples of scrupulous in a Sentence

While many assume that a conservative reading of the Constitution will lead inevitably to a conservative interpretation, Amar has argued, in scholarly articles and in a previous book, "The Bill of Rights," that paying scrupulous attention to the text, history and structure of the Constitution often reveals support for liberal outcomes. —James Ryerson, New York Times Book Review, 6 Nov. 2005

Most clients praise the lawyer effusively. Rubenstein declares that Grubman never represents both parties in any one matter, is scrupulous in disclosing his relations to all his clients and abides by the conflict rules of the legal profession. —Johnnie L. Roberts, Newsweek, 6 Aug. 2001

Tax-shelter proliferation has reached such epidemic proportions that it has actually spurred a backlash among the more conscientious members of the tax profession. A few scrupulous tax lawyers have anonymously leaked details of shelter schemes to the IRS. —Franklin Foer, New Republic, 5 June 2000

She was always scrupulous about her work.

The work requires scrupulous attention to detail.

Less scrupulous companies find ways to evade the law.

Recent Examples on the Web

All under Guadagnino’s scrupulous direction and cinematographer Malik Sayeed’s (Belly) visualization, the performative guise of Ivy League school decorum delivers as the perfect dichotomy to the serious nature of what these characters put each other through. —Malik Peay, Essence, 9 Oct. 2025

Mazower, a scrupulous historian, disagrees. —Ian Buruma, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025

The Sweet Dove Died is a scrupulous novel. —Literary Hub, 15 Sep. 2025

The footage is poignant not just on account of Harvey’s tears of joy but also because, in his eyes, the technology has clearly lived up to scrupulous professional standards. —Gus Alexiou, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin scrupulosus, from scrupulus — see scruple entry 2

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for scrupulous

• unscrupulous

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Kids Definition

scrupulous

adjective

scru·​pu·​lous ˈskrü-pyə-ləs 

1

: full of or having scruples : strict

2

: being very exact : painstaking

working with scrupulous care

scrupulously adverb

scrupulousness noun