Synonyms of punctilious

punctilious

adjective

ˌpəŋk-ˈti-lē-əs 

as in formal

marked by or showing careful attention to set forms and details

old-money aristocrats with a punctilious sense of propriety

Synonyms & Similar Words

• formal
• decorous
• correct
• ceremonious
• nice
• proper
• solemn
• stiff
• civil
• polite
• stilted
• starchy
• stiff-necked
• polished
• chivalrous
• sober
• courteous
• refined
• stately
• gallant
• courtly
• genteel
• red-carpet

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• informal
• casual
• easygoing
• unceremonious
• improper
• indecorous
• unmannerly
• laid-back
• discourteous
• rude
• impolite

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of punctilious are careful, meticulous, and scrupulous. While all these words mean "showing close attention to detail," punctilious implies minute, even excessive attention to fine points.

punctilious observance of ritual

Where would careful be a reasonable alternative to punctilious?

The synonyms careful and punctilious are sometimes interchangeable, but careful implies attentiveness and cautiousness in avoiding mistakes.

a careful worker

In what contexts can meticulous take the place of punctilious?

The words meticulous and punctilious can be used in similar contexts, but meticulous may imply either commendable extreme carefulness or a hampering finicky caution over small points.

meticulous scholarship

When can scrupulous be used instead of punctilious?

While the synonyms scrupulous and punctilious are close in meaning, scrupulous applies to what is proper or fitting or ethical.

scrupulous honesty

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of punctilious

If the roles of estate planner, trustee and personal representative for a client by themselves are deemed to be conflicting positions, as suggested by the court’s opinion, then punctilious adherence to the conflict rules regarding sales of financial products or insurance is even more important. —Jay Adkisson, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024

But judging asylum claims on this standard has often been an exhaustive, slow and punctilious process, ascertaining the persecutor’s intent, verifying the claimant’s beliefs or identity at the root of the persecution and so on. —Bill Frelick, The Mercury News, 19 July 2024

Saban was different from Carroll, more punctilious but no less competitive or curious about defenses, with an unusually keen eye for identifying talent. —Louisa Thomas, The New Yorker, 13 Jan. 2024

Rudolf, before he is eventually tasked with moving on to another camp, is a punctilious, contented autocrat. —Peter Rainer, The Christian Science Monitor, 14 Dec. 2023