methodical

adjective

me·thod·i·cal | \mə-ˈthä-di-kəl

variants: or less commonly methodic \-dik

Definition of methodical

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

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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

Britton’s recovery has been a methodical and sometimes frustrating process. — Eduardo A. Encina, baltimoresun.com, "As Orioles work to trade closer Zach Britton, he's showing suitors he's only getting better," 14 July 2018 Toronto president Masai Ujiri is a methodical and calculating executive; firing a coach, one who led the Raptors to their five best seasons in franchise history, in a fit of reflexive rage would be entirely out of character. — Ben Golliver, SI.com, "Raptors Coach Dwane Casey Wasn't Fired Because He Lost to LeBron," 11 May 2018 To grow them so low and openly, Hilker follows a methodical pruning regime. — Adrian Higgins, sacbee, "As for beauty and fragrance, the rambler comes up roses," 15 June 2018 In 29 pages of bloodless prosecutorial language, Mueller sketches out a concerted and methodical effort to corrupt the American democratic process. — Matt Ford, The New Republic, "Truth Without Consequences," 13 July 2018 What follows is a methodical and sustained act of existential self-immolation, as Moshfegh’s narrator lays waste to her own raw human capital, obliterating month after month in a fog of downers, Diet Sprite, and Whoopi Goldberg movies. — Alexandra Kleeman, Vanities, "This Novel Provides an Empowering, Grotesque Alternative to Leaning In," 2 July 2018 After a string of his five worst results, Newgarden turned in a methodical and dominant drive to his series-best third victory of the season. — Dave Kallmann, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Indy cars will keep coming back to Elkhart Lake. As for Milwaukee, 'it'd be impossible.'," 24 June 2018 But the 27-year-old applied her methodical nature to her new tasks at A’s, taking inventory and handling large orders during the lunch rush. — Lauren Smiley, WIRED, "The Mission to Build the Ultimate Burger Bot," 21 June 2018 Stearns has remained disciplined in his methodical approach to rebuilding the Brewers but also is one to explore every possible opportunity to improve his club. — Tom Haudricourt, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Haudricourt: Does Yu Darvish makes sense for the Brewers now?," 22 Jan. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'methodical.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries near methodical

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Last Updated

24 Sep 2018

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Time Traveler for methodical

The first known use of methodical was in 1570

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More Definitions for methodical

methodical

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of methodical

: done by using a careful and organized procedure

: working in a very careful and organized way

See the full definition for methodical in the English Language Learners Dictionary

methodical

adjective

me·thod·i·cal | \mə-ˈthä-di-kəl

Kids Definition of methodical

1 : done or arranged in a planned way : using a careful and orderly procedure … he began a methodical search, back and forth across the property …— Carl Hiaasen, Hoot

2 : following a planned and orderly way of doing something especially out of habit He was a slow and methodical worker.