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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 Molnar captures the isolation, despair and mind-breaking tedium of early motherhood with scrupulous precision. Irina Dumitrescu, The Dial, 27 Nov. 2024 Still, others were more scrupulous in their presentation of information. Liam Reilly, CNN, 26 Nov. 2024 Evidence Action stopped soliciting funds for it and later shut it down — an unusually scrupulous move for a charity. Dylan Matthews, Vox, 26 Nov. 2018 Improvements were barely perceptible to begin with but my doctor’s strategies proved helpful in time: a very dull and scrupulous diet, herbs for liver support, daily sweating, and crucially, charcoal tablets that bind with mould. Melissa Kenny, refinery29.com, 30 Oct. 2024 See All Example Sentences for scrupulous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scrupulous
Adjective
  • Court documents show Blankenship has been employed by the city since 2006 following his honorable discharge from the Coast Guard.
    Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 11 Apr. 2025
  • White Painted Woman was a model of heroism and honorable womanhood: When evil monsters were hunting the Apache people, the White Painted Woman gave birth to a son who would destroy the creatures to help make Earth inhabitable for humanity.
    Alejandra Rubio, NPR, 29 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • How Costco membership gets you to splurge All of this is by meticulous design.
    Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 17 Apr. 2025
  • These practical tools facilitate thorough record-keeping and foster seamless communication among household staff, conservators, art advisors, insurers, and external professionals, ensuring meticulous management of every piece.
    Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • That dissonance is a function of how eating less meat has been wrapped in a conscientious and moral sheen.
    Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 24 Mar. 2025
  • Emily is a conscientious worker who is constantly evaluating her performance and setting ever higher goals.
    Heide Janssen, Orange County Register, 16 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Be careful not to let in too much moisture to avoid any mildew or mold developing on your mattress.
    Terry Baddoo, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
  • And Martin says the uncertainty about insurance rates is yet another good reason to be careful on the road.
    Camila Domonoske, NPR, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Many organizations are actively working on ethical AI frameworks to address bias and ensure fair, transparent decision-making processes.
    Chaitanya Laxminarayana, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • That’s an impressive result with significant ethical, economic and social implications.
    The Physics arXiv Blog, Discover Magazine, 11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Though the scene is peaceful and loving, there is a lot of rebellion baked in.
    Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025
  • See treasures The combination of gruesome deaths followed by careful and loving burials also suggests their group was victorious in the conflict, researchers said.
    Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Hungary Law Poses Predicament Limbo land: Film and TV makers are facing a moral dilemma in Hungary, which has become a production hotspot thanks to its generous 30% tax rebate that, crucially, pays upfront.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 18 Apr. 2025
  • But reading also builds our empathic muscles and challenges our ethical and moral judgment.
    Ann Kowal Smith, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • This means investors need to conduct diligent research into both financial and ethical factors.
    Sahit Muja, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025
  • Kai seems like a sweet kid — a diligent server, a talented performer, loyal to Paula despite being tempted by her best friend, Olivia (played by Sydney Sweeney).
    Eddie Mouradian, Vulture, 7 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Scrupulous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scrupulous. Accessed 28 Apr. 2025.

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