methodical

adjective

me·​thod·​i·​cal mə-ˈthä-di-kəl 

variants or less commonly methodic

mə-ˈthä-dik 

1

: arranged, characterized by, or performed with method or order

a methodical treatment of the subject

2

: habitually proceeding according to method : systematic

methodical in his daily routine

a methodical worker

methodically

mə-ˈthä-di-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

methodicalness

mə-ˈthä-di-kəl-nəs 

noun

Synonyms

• neat
• orderly
• organized
• regular
• systematic
• systematized

Examples of methodical in a Sentence

Their methodical review of the evidence exposed some problems with the study's findings.

She's a slow and methodical worker, and her drawings reflect the extra care she takes.

Recent Examples on the Web

Described by industry insiders as a highly methodical filmmaker who takes his time with development, Peele was originally set to unveil an untitled fourth feature, which remains a complete mystery, in December 2024. —Matt Grobar, Deadline, 23 Apr. 2025

The two began to be more methodical with their approaches. —Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 20 Apr. 2025

Instead, Adebayo believes the Heat needs to set the terms and make sure the game is played at Miami’s usual methodical pace. —Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 14 Apr. 2025

Houston, which ranks 360th out of 364 Division 1 programs in analyst Ken Pomeroy’s adjusted tempo metric, dictated the game with a methodical pace and held Duke to its second-lowest point total of the season. —Tim Casey, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1570, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for methodical

• periodical

Kids Definition

methodical

adjective

me·​thod·​i·​cal mə-ˈthäd-i-kəl 

1

: marked by or performed or arranged by method or order

a methodical search

2

: being in the habit of following a method : systematic

a methodical teacher

methodically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

methodicalness

-i-kəl-nəs 

noun