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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 Investors are becoming more scrupulous about onshore wind and utility-scale solar projects, demanding to see prospects for stronger returns before committing capital to new projects, according to analysis from BloombergNEF. Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 26 Aug. 2025 Not even the most scrupulous professor notices the difference between words that a writer has written and signed off on, and secondhand statements. Milan Kundera, Harpers Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025 Since the video went viral, internet users have lauded the canine's scrupulous training methods, leading to more than 340 comments on the post so far. Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Aug. 2025 Mawdsley presents a scrupulous and magisterial account of naval warfare from 1939 to 1945. Foreign Affairs, 13 Oct. 2020 See All Example Sentences for scrupulous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scrupulous
Adjective
  • This person has brought shame and disgrace to the badge and to an honorable profession.
    Paloma Chavez, Sacbee.com, 9 Oct. 2025
  • The honorable profession of arms is not built on Rambo politics.
    Loree Sutton, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Her correspondence with these men was meticulous — and Belle set the terms.
    Christina Coulter, PEOPLE, 11 Oct. 2025
  • But Steinman lacked the meticulous attention to detail they had been conditioned to demand by Lange, going so far as to accept an out-of-tune warm-up take.
    Todd Longwell, Variety, 9 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • More than 70 percent of the participants were identified as being open-minded, conscientious, and emotionally stable.
    Alyssa Ages, Outside, 30 Sep. 2025
  • More than 30 years ago, Greider, a conscientious journalist with a keen eye for detail, exposed how the American political system had been bent toward wealthy interests who could afford to hire lobbyists.
    Zephyr Teachout, The Atlantic, 22 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Be careful when handling debris that may have blown into your yard.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 11 Oct. 2025
  • Integrating such a messy light source into a silicon photonics chip required careful engineering.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Of course, the idea of having an AI board member opens up a host of thorny ethical issues.
    Lee Clifford, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Notwithstanding this criticism, though, there is still a growing view within Delhi that foreign policy should be pragmatic and driven by interests rather than ethical considerations.
    Happymon Jacob, Time, 16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Burks is confident, freedom-loving, fashionable (and rocked a lime green suit on the red carpet), and loves to have fun.
    Lynnette Nicholas, Essence, 13 Oct. 2025
  • The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) says that in 2024 almost 3 million cats entered shelters nationwide, but not all of them were lucky enough to find new loving homes.
    Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • From poverty and inequality to political polarization and misinformation, Kristof explores how truth, empathy and moral courage can guide us toward a more just and compassionate society.
    David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Kennedy has managed to bridge three specific tendencies—toward fiscal conservatism, social liberalism, and a belief that improving societal health is a moral imperative—and present them as one overarching ideology.
    Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Daria watched their diligent ascent while Andrés studied the map on his phone.
    Catherine Lacey, New Yorker, 5 Oct. 2025
  • The Hunt After years of diligent saving, a longtime renter with a $300,000 budget weighed whether to take his parents’ advice and return to his childhood building in Elmhurst, or branch out.
    Dan Levin, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Scrupulous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scrupulous. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

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