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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 meticulous But then, even the most meticulous research had failed to turn up that Dever’s father, Tim, voiced Bob the Builder, as well as another icon of children’s television, Barney the Dinosaur. Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 16 June 2025 At our firm, meticulous planning was critical to our success—from conducting a detailed feasibility study to structuring the right alternative practice framework to separate audit and advisory services. Louis Grassi, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025 The meticulous Thune is coordinating policy deals on the tax and spending cut package, and the pugilistic Trump is corralling balking conservatives in private phone calls and meetings. Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 11 June 2025 This meticulous attention to detail makes the P3 series particularly effective for low-light observation, providing users with vibrant and clear views in challenging lighting conditions like those found whilst stargazing. Matt Morris, Space.com, 6 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for meticulous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for meticulous
Adjective
  • However, be careful of blurring the distinction between professional and personal relationships.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 19 June 2025
  • For most, wealth results from years of hard work, careful planning, and disciplined saving.
    Georgette Virgo, USA Today, 19 June 2025
Adjective
  • Mowery recently launched Azure Road, a new culinary, travel, and lifestyle publication for conscientious consumers.
    Lauren Mowery, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
  • For each of us, conscientious use of this planet’s resources will need to be a lifelong endeavor.
    Andre Garron, Hartford Courant, 12 June 2025
Adjective
  • Yo La Tengo’s 1997 feedback-guitar version is one of the most loving Beach Boys tributes.
    Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 12 June 2025
  • This is a group of people who have welcomed her in like family and are very loving to Tina and kind to her.
    Randall Colburn, EW.com, 12 June 2025
Adjective
  • Soothe a sunburn No judgement: sunburns sometimes happen to even the most diligent sunscreen wearers.
    Holly Carter, People.com, 9 June 2025
  • Some ideas include creating easy-to-use complaint systems, requiring permit numbers in all advertising, and doing diligent code enforcement, with monthly reports of actual rental days and monthly electronic collection of bed taxes.
    Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 6 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Meticulous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/meticulous. Accessed 23 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on meticulous

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