methodical

adjective

me·​thod·​i·​cal mə-ˈthä-di-kəl How to pronounce methodical (audio)
variants or less commonly methodic
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 adverb
methodicalness noun

Example Sentences

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 arriving in the Northwest, Din Tai Fung has been slow and methodical, opening a restaurant roughly every two years before the pandemic, almost like clockwork. Mrussell, oregonlive, 24 Mar. 2023 This was a methodical renovation, reflecting the constraints of the building’s footprint (no going up or out, Maltzan said) and the pace of fund-raising. Adam Nagourney, New York Times, 24 Mar. 2023 To do this, engineering teams must develop a methodical strategy for assessing team performance that aligns with corporate objectives and contains effective communication techniques. Valentin Buzea, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2023 Men's final: Kansas State 77, Montana State 65 The No. 3 seed Wildcats took care of business with a methodical win over the Bobcats. Scooby Axson, USA TODAY, 17 Mar. 2023 Grant’s Vikings, unbothered by Minnesota’s frigid weather, were as methodical as locals who cut a hole into frozen lakes and fished in the winter. Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Mar. 2023 Organizations can start with a methodical pay equity analysis to ensure fair pay. Supriya Jha And Megan Smith, Quartz, 9 Mar. 2023 Our methodical testing practices for workout gear ensure that our recs are durable, comfy, and, most importantly, built for actual exercise. Kelsey Mulvey, Women's Health, 9 Mar. 2023 The methodical Taurus Moon interacts with heavy hitters Neptune, Saturn, and Pluto, so our daily concerns are likely to touch on issues that affect society at large. Tarot Astrologers, Chicago Tribune, 25 Feb. 2023 See More

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.

Word History

First Known Use

1570, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of methodical was in 1570

Dictionary Entries Near methodical

Cite this Entry

“Methodical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/methodical. Accessed 30 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

methodical

adjective
me·​thod·​i·​cal mə-ˈthäd-i-kəl How to pronounce methodical (audio)
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 adverb
methodicalness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on methodical

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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