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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective scrupulous differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of scrupulous are conscientious, honest, honorable, just, and upright. While all these words mean "having or showing a strict regard for what is morally right," conscientious and scrupulous imply an active moral sense governing all one's actions and painstaking efforts to follow one's conscience.

conscientious in the completion of her assignments
scrupulous in carrying out the terms of the will

When could honest be used to replace scrupulous?

In some situations, the words honest and scrupulous are roughly equivalent. However, honest stresses adherence to such virtues as truthfulness, candor, or fairness.

known for being honest in business dealings

When would honorable be a good substitute for scrupulous?

The words honorable and scrupulous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, honorable suggests a firm holding to codes of right behavior and the guidance of a high sense of honor and duty.

a difficult but honorable decision

When might just be a better fit than scrupulous?

The words just and scrupulous can be used in similar contexts, but just stresses conscious choice and regular practice of what is right or equitable.

workers given just compensation

When is it sensible to use upright instead of scrupulous?

While in some cases nearly identical to scrupulous, upright implies a strict adherence to moral principles.

a stern and upright minister

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 scrupulous The tax break sparked a cottage industry of scrupulous companies pushing the tax break to small businesses that didn’t qualify. Kate Dore, Cfp®, Ea, CNBC, 20 May 2025 In recent years, the rise of even less scrupulous and more rapacious influencer commentariat, with enormous YouTube and social followings, has further escalated the pressures celebrities face. Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 21 May 2025 Chernow, ever scrupulous, does not ignore the complexities, but his caution becomes its own kind of evasion. Lauren Michele Jackson, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2025 But what if someone less scrupulous had been included on messages of such sensitivity? Niall Stanage, The Hill, 24 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for scrupulous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scrupulous
Adjective
  • But the film’s pulse-pounding excitement is merely a feint to suggest how the rush for vengeance — no matter how justified — only brings about more killing, dragging down honorable intentions and leaving blood on everyone’s hands.
    Tim Grierson, Vulture, 20 June 2025
  • Milk was forced to resign from the Navy and receive an other than honorable discharge.
    Al Weaver, The Hill, 5 June 2025
Adjective
  • Once home to Louis XV’s architect, the property underwent a meticulous four-year renovation before reopening to what is now one of the most luxurious properties in the city.
    Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 18 June 2025
  • Later, as the way opened, Swedish producers and artists, from Denniz Pop to Max Martin, would follow, bringing glossy, meticulous pop to the global marketplace.
    Mitch Therieau, New Yorker, 18 June 2025
Adjective
  • Mowery recently launched Azure Road, a new culinary, travel, and lifestyle publication for conscientious consumers.
    Lauren Mowery, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
  • For each of us, conscientious use of this planet’s resources will need to be a lifelong endeavor.
    Andre Garron, Hartford Courant, 12 June 2025
Adjective
  • While the latest inflation and jobs market reports showed that any disruption caused by tariffs has so far been minor, the Fed is clearly being careful about what could happen in the coming weeks and months.
    Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 June 2025
  • However, be careful of blurring the distinction between professional and personal relationships.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 19 June 2025
Adjective
  • Such governance will likely include public data trusts, ethical review boards, and inclusive policy-making processes—all of which emphasize collective rather than individualistic solutions.
    Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 June 2025
  • Invest in educator training that moves beyond basic tool familiarity to pedagogical integration and ethical considerations.
    Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 27 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
  • There’s a moral sleight of hand in this business — a way of justifying detachment as professionalism.
    Rob Shuter, HollywoodReporter, 18 June 2025
  • In these fields, reliability is a moral and operational imperative.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 17 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

“Scrupulous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scrupulous. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

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