meticulosity 1 of 2

meticulous

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adjective

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meticulous attention
impeccable attention
fastidious attention
precise attention
intricate attention
diligent attention
meticulous research
assiduous research
thorough research
extensive research
painstaking research
scrupulous research
meticulous planning
careful planning
rigorous planning
elaborate planning
diligent planning
intricate planning

Synonym Chooser

How is the word meticulous different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of meticulous are careful, punctilious, and scrupulous. While all these words mean "showing close attention to detail," meticulous may imply either commendable extreme carefulness or a hampering finicky caution over small points.

meticulous scholarship

When can careful be used instead of meticulous?

The words careful and meticulous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, careful implies attentiveness and cautiousness in avoiding mistakes.

a careful worker

When would punctilious be a good substitute for meticulous?

The meanings of punctilious and meticulous largely overlap; however, punctilious implies minute, even excessive attention to fine points.

punctilious observance of ritual

In what contexts can scrupulous take the place of meticulous?

In some situations, the words scrupulous and meticulous are roughly equivalent. However, scrupulous applies to what is proper or fitting or ethical.

scrupulous honesty

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 meticulosity
Adjective
Though DeAngelo was meticulous in not revealing his identity to victims and careful to not leave physical evidence behind at his crime scenes, DNA technology eventually caught up with him. Jessica Sager, People.com, 24 Apr. 2025 The track is meticulous in its production, with her soulful voice floating over silky synths and trap beats. Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 22 Apr. 2025 How Costco membership gets you to splurge All of this is by meticulous design. Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 17 Apr. 2025 These practical tools facilitate thorough record-keeping and foster seamless communication among household staff, conservators, art advisors, insurers, and external professionals, ensuring meticulous management of every piece. Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for meticulosity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for meticulosity
Noun
  • At the time, then-Trump spokeswoman turned critic Stephanie Grisham slammed media attention of the jacket.
    Jay Stahl, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Despite his rising stardom, Brunson has historically redirected attention to team success over individual accolades.
    Cynthia Pong, JD, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Be careful not to let in too much moisture to avoid any mildew or mold developing on your mattress.
    Terry Baddoo, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Yet Schlossberg is careful to note that May did not shadow-direct the movie during production.
    Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • That dissonance is a function of how eating less meat has been wrapped in a conscientious and moral sheen.
    Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 24 Mar. 2025
  • Emily is a conscientious worker who is constantly evaluating her performance and setting ever higher goals.
    Heide Janssen, Orange County Register, 16 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The Vatican May Have Ever So Slightly Softened Its Stance on Trans People Doctrine chief Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernández discussed the viability of gender dysphoria, while still condemning gender-affirming care, in a speech at a theological conference in Cologne in February, CNN reports.
    Samantha Riedel, Them., 21 Apr. 2025
  • Despite the care taken, those ready-to-wear initial papal vestments didn't always do the trick.
    Christopher Watson, ABC News, 21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • These institutions make our lives sweet, loving and creative, rather than nasty, brutish and short.
    David Brooks, Mercury News, 23 Apr. 2025
  • These passages also reinforced his vision of a more inclusive and loving church, one that follows the example set by Jesus in the Gospels.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • This means investors need to conduct diligent research into both financial and ethical factors.
    Sahit Muja, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025
  • Kai seems like a sweet kid — a diligent server, a talented performer, loyal to Paula despite being tempted by her best friend, Olivia (played by Sydney Sweeney).
    Eddie Mouradian, Vulture, 7 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The target of the strike was a Hezbollah facility in Beirut which stored precision missiles, according to a joint statement from Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz.
    Oren Liebermann, CNN Money, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Unlike traditional robots that often move with jerky or stiff motions, Iron walks steadily and can manipulate objects with precision thanks to its human-like hands.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 26 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Pure vitamin C, vitamin E, hyaluronic acid Vitamin C concentration: 29% Fragrance-free?
    Denise Primbet, Glamour, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Participants each ingested a brownie containing various doses of Delta-8 or Delta-9, or a placebo, with researchers recording cannabinoid concentration in blood, subjective drug effects, cognitive and psychomotor performance, and vital signs.
    Matt Hubbard, Baltimore Sun, 27 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Meticulosity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/meticulosity. Accessed 5 May. 2025.

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