methodical

adjective

me·​thod·​i·​cal mə-ˈthä-di-kəl 

variants or less commonly methodic

mə-ˈthä-dik 

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

mə-ˈthä-di-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

methodicalness

mə-ˈthä-di-kəl-nəs 

noun

Synonyms

• systematic
• structured
• systematized
• standardized

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

Since 2006, actor Michael C. Hall has embodied the methodical killer, with a code for only murdering bad people on Dexter, and the television universe has continued to shock viewers ever since. —Jeff Conway, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025

Prosecutors were methodical presenting their case, tying the evidence together in a roadmap for the jury. —Kara Scannell, CNN Money, 4 July 2025

In Virgo, however, the warrior planet takes on a more methodical approach, influenced by this Earth sign's analytical and detail-oriented nature. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 17 June 2025

Similarly, Israel’s methodical strikes on research labs, explosives test sites, reactors, and nuclear scientists has likely set back the Islamic Republic’s work — either toward nuclear breakout or a just-in-time weapon that could be ready within weeks. —Brett Schaefer, National Review, 23 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1570, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for methodical

• periodical

Kids Definition

methodical

adjective

me·​thod·​i·​cal mə-ˈthäd-i-kəl 

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

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

methodicalness

-i-kəl-nəs 

noun