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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
  • To keep the homeland safe, America needs a strategy to deter a devastating war, preserve its strategic position in Asia, and thereby maintain an honorable peace with China.
    Eyck Freymann, Time, 4 Nov. 2025
  • In 2021, the Vietnam Veterans of America presented Agnes with an award for her dedication, devotion and honorable military service.
    Bea L. Hines, Miami Herald, 31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The most meticulous work on this subject was carried out by David Noble, a historian of technology.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Nov. 2025
  • Ramon is known for making meticulous in-court analyses for bail and custody decisions.
    Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Bindi’s only six years older, but is very conscientious and a real caregiver.
    Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 19 Oct. 2025
  • There are unanswered overtures from the choir’s pianist Horner (Robert Emms), a soft, vulnerable young man whose conscientious-objector status renders him a fellow outsider.
    Guy Lodge, Variety, 19 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Be careful when handling debris that may have blown into your yard.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Step by careful step, Holbrook climbed, holding out bologna and cheese until two pairs of cautious eyes peeked back.
    Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Other ethical considerations will arise as the watches go into production.
    Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 6 Nov. 2025
  • There are also social and ethical challenges that need to be addressed.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • And boy, do those practice dishes look delicious under Doyle’s loving lens.
    Katie Rife, IndieWire, 5 Nov. 2025
  • So loving so tender, so, so smart.
    Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • My appeal is not only personal, but also moral.
    Kim Aris, Time, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Then there is the wider moral question of whether historical artifacts should ever be intentionally destroyed.
    Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Macfadyen is diligent in his portrayal of an obviously unwell man, traumatized by his difficult childhood and never having received the proper care.
    Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 6 Nov. 2025
  • That same day, Stein, 75, posted a photo of Akira to Instagram sharing the news and thanking authorities for their diligent work in tracking down those responsible for her death.
    Rachel DeSantis, PEOPLE, 5 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Scrupulous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scrupulous. Accessed 15 Nov. 2025.

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