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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 These digestive drops are enriched with a meticulous blend of bitter herbs that facilitate an easier flow and support gut health. Samantha Mims, Essence, 23 June 2025 Mercer went through a meticulous FIFA process to ensure that facilities were up to the global soccer governing body’s standards. Felipe Cardenas, New York Times, 17 June 2025 This meticulous record-keeping created a thorough paper trail, which was important for establishing the timeline of events and demonstrating Best Buy’s lack of responsiveness. Christopher Elliott, Mercury News, 13 June 2025 Still, her sincere, creative, and meticulous work could not help but find recognition. Kayti Burt, Time, 11 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for meticulous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for meticulous
Adjective
  • If allowed, Andrew will likely bring further reputational damage to the monarchy at a time when the royal ship needs a careful steer.
    Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2025
  • In reality, Israel overpowered Iran’s military and outwitted its intelligence with stunning efficiency, demonstrating years, if not decades, of careful preparation in under two weeks.
    Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • As any stunt coordinator or conscientious director will tell you, the trick is to make the stunt look dangerous but not be dangerous.
    Thomas Doherty, HollywoodReporter, 14 June 2025
  • Most arbitrators are highly conscientious professionals who take their job very seriously.
    Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025
Adjective
  • All cats regardless of age deserve a safe and loving home.
    Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025
  • Additionally, researchers discovered that even when children are placed in safe and loving settings, like with responsive adoptive parents, some of them naturally shunned connection.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
Adjective
  • Clark said locally, at San Dimas’ Via Verde Country Club and Pomona’s Mountain Meadows Golf Course, Spaun is remembered as a diligent kid who put in a lot of time working on his game.
    Mirjam Swanson, Oc Register, 16 June 2025
  • The only way to avoid False Dividend Stocks is with diligent fundamental research on cash flows.
    David Trainer, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Meticulous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/meticulous. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on meticulous

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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