methodical

adjective

me·thod·i·cal | \mə-ˈthä-di-kəl

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variants: or less commonly methodic \-dik

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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

His wife’s collecting approach had taught him to be methodical. — Daniel Grant, WSJ, "Art Collectors Remember Their First Purchase," 21 Oct. 2018 Their recoveries meant the attack fell off the front pages, allowing investigators to proceed with a slow, methodical search for evidence that might support their leading theory — that Russian agents were behind the attack. — Ellen Barry, New York Times, "A Week After Novichok Exposure, 2 Britons’ Lives Hang in the Balance," 7 July 2018 Once all students were off campus, authorities began conducting a more methodical search of the campus. — CBS News, "Ocala, Florida school shooting suspect ID'd as Sky Bouche: "I shot through the door"," 20 Apr. 2018 Once all students were off campus, authorities began conducting a more methodical search of the campus. — Curt Anderson, USA TODAY, "1 injured, suspect in custody in Florida school shooting," 20 Apr. 2018 Once all students were off campus, authorities began conducting a more methodical search of the campus. — Curt Anderson, chicagotribune.com, "1 wounded in Florida school shooting; suspect in custody," 20 Apr. 2018 Once all students were off campus, authorities began conducting a more methodical search of the campus. — Curt Anderson, BostonGlobe.com, "One injured, suspect in custody after shooting at Florida high school," 20 Apr. 2018 The Colts promised a methodical search, so no timeline has been established to make a decision. — Stephen Holder, Indianapolis Star, "Another twist in the Colts coaching search," 15 Jan. 2018 Fire crews fanned out to the south of the fire site to do a methodical search for possible fires. — Tony Rizzo Lisa Gutierrez Katy Bergen Steve Vockrodt Ian Cummings Svockrodt@kcstar.com Icummings@kcstar.com Kbergen@kcstar.com Lgutierrez@kcstar.com, kansascity, "Huge building fire in Overland Park ignites blazes at many homes blocks away | The Kansas City Star," 20 Mar. 2017

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

Statistics for methodical

Last Updated

3 Dec 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.