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

Tommy eventually does so by applying his methodical genius to foil the Nazi plan. —Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 23 Mar. 2026

Kevin Fox, Minnetonka fire chief, said Johnson was methodical in his investigations. —Ray Campos, CBS News, 20 Mar. 2026

Coached by the legendary Pete Carril, the Tigers’ methodical offense – directed by point center Kit Mueller and filled with eye-bending backdoor cuts – put the Hoyas on roller skates. —Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 18 Mar. 2026

This hacking feature made battles more deliberate and methodical. —Gieson Cacho, Mercury News, 17 Mar. 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