methodical

play

adjective me·thod·i·cal \mə-ˈthä-di-kəl\

variants: or less commonly

methodic

play \-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

methodically

play \-di-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

methodicalness

play \-di-kəl-nəs\ noun

See methodical defined for English-language learners

See methodical defined for kids

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 of methodical from the Web

But the Senate intelligence committee, in particular, has maintained a methodical approach to negotiating with witnesses' legal teams, then obtaining and reviewing their documents.

— tom lobianco, CNN, "What to expect -- and not -- in Russia investigations this week," 17 July 2017
During most of his tenure in Washington, Joe Kennedy has been slow and methodical, and often understated.

— matt viser, Town & Country, "Meet the Next President Kennedy," 6 July 2017
The image of Clark Hunt that’s easiest to the mind is an ultra-conservative, methodical, and smart man trying to move through the impossible legacy and expectations that come with being his father’s son.

— sam mellinger, kansascity.com, "Sam Mellinger: Chiefs owner Clark Hunt showing a ruthless side his silence often hides," 30 June 2017
Dr. Gevirtz has developed a program that uses slow, methodical breathing to increase HRV.

— charles wallace, WSJ, "What’s Your Heart-Rate Variability? It May Be Time to Find Out," 25 June 2017
The imagery of the young artist screaming underwater while an elderly woman does a slow, methodical twist is laugh-out-loud funny and reminiscent of Old Miami, which once had a reputation as a city for seniors in the sun.

— siobhan morrissey, miamiherald, "Pérez — both man and museum — look across the horizon to Cuba. Here’s what they see.," 23 June 2017
Offensively, this will not be a slow and methodical approach.

— kevin lonnquist, star-telegram.com, "Another year, another new coach for Nelson girls basketball," 23 June 2017
Plus, analysts said, Amazon tends to be slow and methodical in its acquisitions.

— abha bhattarai, chicagotribune.com, "Amazon's bid for Whole Foods sparks speculation on what it might gobble up next," 21 June 2017
But, also a really methodical and level-headed businesswoman.

— christine whitney, The Cut, "The Entrepreneur Bringing the Build-a-Bear Method to Luxury Handbags," 19 June 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.

First Known Use of methodical

1570

METHODICAL Defined for English Language Learners

methodical

play

adjective

Definition of methodical for English Language Learners

: done by using a careful and organized procedure
: working in a very careful and organized way

METHODICAL Defined for Kids

methodical

play

adjective me·thod·i·cal \mə-ˈthä-di-kəl\

Definition of methodical for Students

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.