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

Well, Apple’s meticulous planning means previous years can give us clues as to what will happen when. — David Phelan, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

Because of the tapestry’s fragility, the transfer required meticulous planning. — Tiago Ventura, Time, 10 July 2026

Licensing calls for meticulous attention to ownership splits, territorial rights, and expiration dates. — Faye Bradley, Variety, 2 July 2026

For a tournament with such meticulous dedication to tradition and history, there isn’t much pomp and circumstance about Wimbledon once the matches begin. — Ava Wallace, New York Times, 30 June 2026

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