Definition of conscientiousnext
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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective conscientious differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of conscientious are honest, honorable, just, scrupulous, and upright. While all these words mean "having or showing a strict regard for what is morally right," conscientious and scrupulous imply an active moral sense governing all one's actions and painstaking efforts to follow one's conscience.

conscientious in the completion of her assignments
scrupulous in carrying out the terms of the will

When can honest be used instead of conscientious?

Although the words honest and conscientious have much in common, honest stresses adherence to such virtues as truthfulness, candor, or fairness.

known for being honest in business dealings

When could honorable be used to replace conscientious?

The synonyms honorable and conscientious are sometimes interchangeable, but honorable suggests a firm holding to codes of right behavior and the guidance of a high sense of honor and duty.

a difficult but honorable decision

Where would just be a reasonable alternative to conscientious?

The words just and conscientious can be used in similar contexts, but just stresses conscious choice and regular practice of what is right or equitable.

workers given just compensation

When is upright a more appropriate choice than conscientious?

In some situations, the words upright and conscientious are roughly equivalent. However, upright implies a strict adherence to moral principles.

a stern and upright minister

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of conscientious Cap Rocat also aims to preserve and strengthen the natural and social environment through a conscientious selection of suppliers engaged in sustainable fishing and organic and zero-kilometer products. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026 This is considered a bit of an invasive plant, but conscientious gardeners can remove or till under unwanted seedlings. Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 May 2026 Initially it was sold only online and through a network of 5,000 influential—and conscientious—hair salons. Pamela N. Danziger, Forbes.com, 25 May 2026 Or a group of high-minded, dutiful, quite-conscientious California voters? Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for conscientious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conscientious
Adjective
  • Manliness is a touchy subject these days, but there was a time when honorable combat was respected above the mere running of one’s mouth.
    Clarence Page, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2026
  • And Florida passed only because one player made the honorable decision.
    David Mica, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 June 2026
Adjective
  • Just be careful not to add water, since even tiny amounts can cause melted chocolate to turn into a grainy, clumpy mess.
    Daryl Austin, USA Today, 27 June 2026
  • Ultimately, the widespread adoption of AI for mental health constitutes a global experiment with both potential benefits and serious downsides that require careful management.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026
Adjective
  • The whole industry poses significant ethical risks.
    Will Barker, TheWeek, 25 June 2026
  • Under his direction, Cathay debuted the Aria Suite—a reimagining of premium travel—alongside the global 'Where Artistry Takes Flight' campaign, where the airline partnered with an ethical AI platform to create an interactive art tool.
    Slma Shelbayah, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026
Adjective
  • What appears as speed in global organizations is often the result of meticulous logistical preparation and an expert knowledge of regulatory environments.
    Armand Arton, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
  • Chef Natsuko Shoji blends Tiffany glamour with Japanese ingredients, craftsmanship, and meticulous attention to detail.
    Staff Author, Travel + Leisure, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • The Vatican prioritizes human dignity and moral considerations over profit and efficiency.
    Paulo Carvão, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
  • The text is a philosophical treatise on ethics and human moral progress, and the final column revealed the name Aristocreon, a nephew and disciple of the Stoic philosopher Chrysippus.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 30 June 2026
Adjective
  • The ethos of the festival also involves looking out for fellow attendees, respecting The Farm and taking the loving energy of the festival out into the world.
    Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 June 2026
  • The fun-loving, kilt-wearing Scottish fans took over Boston and South Florida and endeared themselves to both communities.
    Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 27 June 2026
Adjective
  • September 23 – October 22 Where can balance invite honest progress?
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 28 June 2026
  • Let’s be honest, flip-flops aren’t known for their support—but somehow, these under-$20 sandals have racked up hundreds of five-star reviews raving about their comfort.
    Genevieve Cepeda, InStyle, 27 June 2026
Adjective
  • Now, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue says its diligent job is done, signaling full containment of the fires soon.
    Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 25 June 2026
  • Since then, Roberts, who will also manage the NL All-Star team, has appreciated how diligent Pages has remained in his routine.
    Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 21 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Conscientious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conscientious. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.

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