as in formal
marked by or showing careful attention to set forms and details
old-money aristocrats with a punctilious sense of propriety
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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
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
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
See All Example Sentences for punctilious
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
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
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
See All Example Sentences for punctilious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for punctilious
Adjective
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Just last year, California Olive Ranch became the first company in North America to receive formal regenerative certification from A Greener World for over 4,600 acres on their own ranches.—
Esha Chhabra,
Forbes.com,
1 Aug. 2025
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The color selection and style make this pair a great option for both casual and formal events since they can be worn with jeans, shorts, skirts, and dresses.—
Rachel Trujillo,
People.com,
31 July 2025
Adjective
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Their decorous representations of the war and republic are reassuring, especially to modern eyes, in their romanticized heroism.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
17 July 2025
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More decorous versions simply excluded Jews, Blacks, and others to create those ethnic enclaves Vance decries in the form of elite institutions from country clubs to, formerly, Congress and the courts.—
Rebecca Solnit
August 23,
Literary Hub,
23 Aug. 2024
Adjective
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However, if an inverter fails to detect the correct frequency or if the frequency is disrupted, the energy transmission is disconnected.—
Karoline Leonard,
Austin American Statesman,
30 July 2025
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Prosecutors argued in their filing on July 29 that Joseph was correct and that Adelman should allow the case to proceed.—
John Diedrich,
jsonline.com,
30 July 2025
Adjective
-
Prior to kickoff in the game that marked the debut of the baby blue Riptide jersey, Inter Miami owners Jorge and Jose Mas officially welcomed De Paul with the same type of ceremonious presentation that was given in years past to the star foursome of Messi, Alba, Luis Suarez, and Sergio Busquets.—
Franco Panizo,
Miami Herald,
27 July 2025
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Worthy of the most ceremonious unwrapping video, a black cardboard carton contains an impressive wooden box with the DAP nestled inside.—
Robert Ross,
Robb Report,
20 July 2025
Adjective
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The units also vary in shape: the cube is nice for nightstands, while the wider grand size works well on large dressers.—
Jamie Fischer,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 July 2025
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And, the embroidery on the pillowcases adds a nice touch.—
Shalwah Evans,
People.com,
14 July 2025
Adjective
-
People come back from proper breaks with more energy, better ideas, and fewer signs of burnout.—
Bryan Robinson,
Forbes.com,
25 July 2025
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The trooper found no proper registration for the vehicle.—
Mandy Taheri,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 July 2025
Adjective
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Common observances on Good Friday Good Friday is one of the most solemn days in the Christian calendar, observed by millions worldwide during the Easter season.—
Brandi D. Addison,
Austin American Statesman,
2 July 2025
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The moment was filled with conflicting emotions, a mix of gratitude and solemn reflection.—
Ashley Vega,
People.com,
15 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Punctilious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/punctilious. Accessed 8 Aug. 2025.
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