Definition of scrupulousnext
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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 Wall Street is taking a more scrupulous look at AI companies’ earnings results. John Towfighi, CNN Money, 11 Dec. 2025 Brighton & Hove Albion have discovered to their cost that intense global interest attached to every move and kick in the Premier League requires scrupulous attention to detail. Andy Naylor, New York Times, 3 Dec. 2025 All under Guadagnino’s scrupulous direction and cinematographer Malik Sayeed’s (Belly) visualization, the performative guise of Ivy League school decorum delivers as the perfect dichotomy to the serious nature of what these characters put each other through. Malik Peay, Essence, 9 Oct. 2025 The Sweet Dove Died is a scrupulous novel. Literary Hub, 15 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for scrupulous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scrupulous
Adjective
  • Being conspicuous by his absence is not an honorable action, and will be remembered.
    Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Feb. 2026
  • Kramer and Fauci—their honorable disagreements, their curiosity about each other’s worldview, their good-faith debate—were the real show, all along.
    Talya Zax, The Atlantic, 21 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The show has drawn praise for its meticulous re-creation of ‘90s New York — and also scorn from members of the Kennedy family and mixed reactions from others who knew the couple.
    Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 5 Mar. 2026
  • Through meticulous reporting and exclusive access, Neyfakh and Canaan trace how the spicy subscription platform has surprisingly become an emotional marketplace.
    Todd Spangler, Variety, 4 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Virtually no risk-free approach Even a conscientious employer following the rule and regulatory and judicial interpretation of the rule may have its workplace seating policy second-guessed.
    Dan Eaton, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Feb. 2026
  • For 20-odd years, Adams has been one of Hollywood’s most reliably committed and conscientious performers.
    Guy Lodge, Variety, 16 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The best way to attain them during this conjunction of Venus and Saturn in your financial zone would be to set careful guardrails around your spending.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 8 Mar. 2026
  • No amount of sweeping or careful stepping keeps it at bay; shoes quickly collect a film of dust or thick mud.
    Katie Strasberg Rousso, Southern Living, 7 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Anthropic’s high-profile fight with the Department of Defense over where to draw the lines of ethical AI use in warfare, which culminated in the company suing the Pentagon today, also kicked off late last month in the days leading up to the start of the war.
    Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 12 Mar. 2026
  • Studies show companies that follow a more ethical path are also more profitable.
    Peter Jensen, Baltimore Sun, 12 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Our 100-year-old municipal golf course needs major renovations and updating; the clubhouse needs some loving care.
    Betty Resch, Sun Sentinel, 8 Mar. 2026
  • Jensen described Bridegan as controlling and money-obsessed, while portraying Gardner as a loving mother.
    Scott Butler, Florida Times-Union, 5 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Readers send Miss Manners not only their table and party questions, but those involving the more complicated aspects of life - romance, work, family relationships, child-rearing, death - as well as philosophical and moral dilemmas.
    Judith Martin, Dallas Morning News, 10 Mar. 2026
  • Each fable encodes an algorithm of behavior, a compressed moral script.
    Jan Steyn, The Dial, 10 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Davis played 686 snaps — a 298-snap increase from the previous season — and was diligent about his fitness and conditioning.
    Zach Berman, New York Times, 8 Mar. 2026
  • The same goes for diligent skin care.
    Elizabeth Gulino, Allure, 6 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Scrupulous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scrupulous. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.

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