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

China’s negotiating style has consistently been slow, methodical, and relentless in seeking better terms, as evidenced by talks over the PoS-2 stretching for over a decade. —Ariel Cohen, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025

The methodical cacophony of the boat and the temporal collapse of the town clarify his project. —Sam Bodrojan, IndieWire, 7 Sep. 2025

All nine hitters came to the plate — and some were methodical against Ryan — in the first inning. —Kansas City Star, 7 Sep. 2025

The resulting feeling of methodical spontaneity carries over into Ohs’s images. —Richard Brody, New Yorker, 4 Sep. 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