CONSCIENTIOUS Synonyms: 148 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

conscientious

adjective

ˌkän(t)-shē-ˈen(t)-shəs

Definition of conscientious next

as in honorable

guided by or in accordance with one's sense of right and wrong operated on the belief that most people are conscientious, the unattended farm stand has a price list and a money drawer for customers to leave payment for their purchases

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in careful

taking, showing, or involving great care and effort a counselor who serves patients by first being a conscientious listener

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Those places were unregulated, untaxed and, typically, not particularly conscientious about checking ID. —

Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 6 Feb. 2026 Many states are new enacting or widening already broad religious and conscientious exemptions. —

Richard Hughes Iv, STAT, 12 Jan. 2026 Also, remain mindful and conscientious of how our actions affect those beyond ourselves. —

Madison Dapcevich, Outside, 9 Jan. 2026 To maintain this level of ethical, equitable basketball, the Bulls need a facilitator — a conscientious, unselfish playmaker who can read the court and set up teammates at a high level. —

Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 1 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for conscientious

Recent Examples of Synonyms for conscientious

Adjective

Kramer and Fauci—their honorable disagreements, their curiosity about each other’s worldview, their good-faith debate—were the real show, all along.

— Talya Zax, The Atlantic, 21 Feb. 2026
Resignation is the only honorable thing to do.

— Kirsten John Foy, New York Daily News, 21 Feb. 2026