Synonyms of meticulous

meticulous

adjective

mə-ˈti-kyə-ləs 

as in careful

taking, showing, or involving great care and effort

did a meticulous job of restoring the painting

Synonyms & Similar Words

• careful
• conscientious
• loving
• diligent
• thorough
• painstaking
• scrupulous
• cautious
• intensive
• thoughtful
• patient
• assiduous
• fussy
• strict
• particular
• indefatigable
• watchful
• exhaustive
• vigilant
• attentive
• thoroughgoing
• accurate
• deliberate
• fastidious
• precise
• mindful
• circumspect
• critical
• observant
• finicky
• wary
• sedulous
• exacting
• slow
• persevering
• zealous
• tireless
• chary
• discriminating
• tenacious
• guarded
• demanding
• alert
• heedful
• exact
• determined
• studied
• dogged
• plodding
• gingerly
• all-out

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• careless
• cursory
• regardless
• negligent
• halfhearted
• heedless
• slipshod
• sloppy
• inattentive
• lax
• mindless
• unsafe
• slovenly
• incautious
• neglectful
• imprecise
• unguarded
• unwary
• inaccurate
• uncritical
• reckless
• bold
• impetuous
• undiscriminating
• undemanding
• lazy
• indifferent
• lackadaisical
• rash
• apathetic
• lazyish

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

Recent Examples of meticulous

Alfred Finney, nominated for leading actor, stars as the meticulous Belgian detective Hercule Poirot investigating a killing aboard the famous train. — Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 24 July 2026

Currently in the meticulous process of restoration, the first of the historic artworks is slated for completion in December 2027, ARTnews reports. — News Desk, Artforum, 22 July 2026

Godrich invited Harrison to his Brixton studio, where the pair began assembling songs from tape loops, working with spontaneity rather than meticulous planning. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 22 July 2026

The pressure of having meticulous head coach Sean Payton also in the headset is no small thing, but those people believe Webb, who has drawn head coaching interest, is more than up to the challenge. — Jourdan Rodrigue, New York Times, 21 July 2026

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