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

Other Words from methodical Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about methodical

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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

Waymo's rollout over the last 18 months has been methodical, excruciatingly gradual, and sometimes conducted in secret. — Timothy B. Lee, Ars Technica, "Waymo’s excruciatingly gradual launch process, explained," 31 Oct. 2018 Some anti-Kavanaugh activists reportedly think Feinstein’s methodical, low-key style just isn’t cutting it as the Republicans are on the verge of getting the nomination to a vote, although the longtime lawmaker has also been praised for being fair. — Celeste Katz, Glamour, "Here Are the Senate Women at the Center of the Brett Kavanaugh Debate," 5 Oct. 2018 But while the Cardinals have followed their methodical, and quite secretive, process, the pool of potential candidates has dwindled. — USA TODAY, "Cardinals' pool dwindles as search goes on for coach," 19 Jan. 2018 Miami plays a slower, more methodical style of half-court basketball than many teams. — Sarah Todd, Philly.com, "Robert Covington's defense key in Sixers' Game 1 win over the Heat in NBA Playoffs," 14 Apr. 2018 Halep, who got here in more methodical fashion, has consistency on her side—and hunger: While Kerber won both the Australian Open and the US Open in 2016, Halep’s still looking for her first Grand Slam title. — Corey Seymour, Vogue, "Tennis, Anyone? Your Cheat Sheet for the Australian Open Women’s Semifinals," 24 Jan. 2018 From a promising future to bankruptcy Wade tells the story of her family’s misfortunes in a careful, methodical fashion. — Katherine Long, The Seattle Times, "A Kirkland mother’s anguished phone call brings help she never imagined," 9 Dec. 2018 Prosecutors in October unsealed charges against 10 Chinese intelligence officers and other individuals that described in elaborate detail a methodical, persistent campaign to hack into several American aviation companies. — Dustin Volz, WSJ, "U.S. Readies Charges Against Chinese Hackers," 7 Dec. 2018 This is just another step in Blue Origin's methodical (step by step, ferociously, of course) approach to developing the rocket and building the facilities. — Eric Berger, Ars Technica, "Rocket Report: SpaceX targeted, Chinese rocket scientist goes viral, SLS slips?," 5 Oct. 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

12 Feb 2019

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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.