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

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 punctilious 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 His punctilious, every-word-counts lyricism makes your head hurt in a good way, like GZA’s Liquid Swords, Ghostface Killah’s Supreme Clientele, and RZA’s Gravediggaz work all congealed in a thrilling sonic stew. Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 24 Aug. 2023 The Pith: Honorable intent and punctilious adherence to proper form and method does not guarantee a set of results which flesh out a genuine phenomenon. Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 23 May 2011 See All Example Sentences for punctilious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for punctilious
Adjective
  • This is his first full album since the end of the YSL trial and his formal release from prison, following his guilty plea on October 31, 2024.
    Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Still, if the DNI made a formal recommendation, the State Department is the issuing authority for foreign terrorist organization (FTO) designations.
    Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 25 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The hearings are usually decorous affairs, where anger is routine but controlled.
    David Lightman, Sacbee.com, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Still, Julie Rotblatt Amrany got the flying ponytail right and delivered a decorous portrayal that was well received.
    Sally Jenkins, The Atlantic, 30 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Though Collier crashed to the court after the collision, the National Basketball Referees Association posted a highlight of the play on social media explaining why officials were correct not to blow the whistle.
    Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 30 Sep. 2025
  • How much glue should there be between the whole thing to get the balance correct?
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The extended ovation following Kershaw’s ceremonious exit in the top of the fifth preceded the uncontrollable catharsis of Shohei Ohtani’s go-ahead home run in the bottom of the fifth, a three-run shot that pierced the Giants’ soul.
    Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 20 Sep. 2025
  • Today is the eleven year anniversary of the release of Destiny, perhaps not as ceremonious as last year’s tenth anniversary, one that did not end the series, but Bungie presses on.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • With a turtleneck and jeans For an ensemble that’s nice (and warm) enough to wear in practically any situation, just add an eye-catching topper to your usual cold-weather combo.
    Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Which would make a nice change of pace from the collective teeth-gnashing in FoCo lately.
    Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Without proper padding and protection, your device risks scratches, dents, or worse, internal damage.
    Samantha Leal, Travel + Leisure, 27 Sep. 2025
  • Additional resources for homeless children and youth Phoenix Union launched a district resource center after Tercero learned some students weren’t attending class due to a lack of proper clothing.
    Erick Trevino, AZCentral.com, 27 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Models walking the runway — staged at the Pinacoteca di Brera museum — had solemn expressions on their faces.
    Kati Chitrakorn, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2025
  • If anything, their Didi and Gogo (Winter plays the former, the more cerebral and anxious of the two, and Reeves the latter, the disgruntled yet tender beta clown) are still a little on the solemn side.
    Sara Holdren, Vulture, 29 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Punctilious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/punctilious. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on punctilious

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