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 of methodical

• systematic
• organized
• systematized

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

Kateri’s section is quieter and methodical like its central hero, who slips undetected among this community to sow her chaos and reap her revenge. — Katie Walsh, Boston Herald, 13 Aug. 2026

Yet it’s lost on no one that Ellison has been methodical enough about his tactical pressure campaign to get full approval from the Paramount Skydance board for an October 1 exit. — Chris Lee, Vulture, 13 Aug. 2026

The case is historic, but the proceedings were largely methodical. — Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026

Gunther, however, consistently taunted Aldis's wife, Mickie James, and son at ringside, employing a brutal, methodical approach. — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026

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