Definitions

punctilious

[puhngk-til-ee-uhs] / pʌŋkˈtɪl i əs /

ADJECTIVE

careful, finicky

Synonyms

WEAK

ceremonious conscientious conscionable conventional exact formal formalistic fussy good eye heedful meticulous nice observant overconscientious overscrupulous painstaking particular persnickety precise proper punctual right on scrupulous strict

Antonyms

WEAK

careless easygoing informal uncaring

Frequently Asked Questions

What is another word for punctilious?

People described as punctilious do things (or require things to be done) exactly according to the rules or in a particular or traditional way—the one they consider proper. Such people may be described as strict, rigid, inflexible, or fussy. Strict implies close adherence to rules. Rigid and inflexible imply that a person isn’t willing to change the way they do things. Fussy is a more negative way of saying someone is particular—that they want things done in an exact way. All of these words are less formal than punctilious. An even less formal but more negative term is persnickety, which can suggest that someone is annoyingly particular, often in a way that’s snobby. A more formal synonym that can mean just about the same thing is scrupulous, but scrupulous is more commonly used to mean principled or devoted to doing what is right.

Is punctilious a bad word?

Punctilious isn’t necessarily negative in itself—it really depends on how you feel about punctiliousness. Describing someone as punctilious could even be intended as a compliment. But more often than not, it’s intended to imply that a person’s strictness and attention to rules is excessive (and irritating). For this reason, punctilious is sometimes used as kind of a polite way of saying something that’s usually negative.

Is it better to be punctual or punctilious?

A punctilious person might insist on being punctual—and especially on other people being punctual—but the two words mean different things. Punctual is much more narrow—it means to be on time, which is generally viewed as a good thing. And the word itself is typically used in a positive or neutral way. Being punctilious, on the other hand, is often viewed unfavorably. A punctilious person might answer that it’s better to be punctilious, since that probably includes being punctual. But, in general, it’s probably better to be described as punctual than it is to be called punctilious, since punctual is never used negatively.

What is an antonym (opposite) of punctilious?

Punctilious has a direct opposite, unpunctilious, which simply means not punctilious. It often implies that the person it’s describing should be a little more punctilious. There aren’t many single words that exactly capture what it means to be the opposite of punctilious, but such a person could be described as easy-going, open-minded, or flexible.

How do you use punctilious in a sentence?

Punctilious is quite a formal word, and can be used to describe someone who is themselves quite formal, or at least strict about formalities. It’s not always an insult, but it’s often used negatively. Here are some examples of punctilious in a sentence:

My mother is so punctilious about the state of the house that it seems like she’s expecting the Queen of England to show up!
Try not to be so punctilious about the rules—it’s just supposed to be a fun game night.
It’s a good thing I’ve been punctilious about my homework, because my teacher is a real stickler!

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Punctilious as Mr. Richards may have been, he told the New York Times that there were many grammarians more “militant” than he.

From Washington Post • Apr. 25, 2021

So the couple, who both come from the fashion world and live in New York’s Hudson Valley, launched Punctilious Mr. P’s Place Card Co.

From Washington Post • Nov. 12, 2019

Punctilious readers may have noticed that the Spin is running later even than the white rabbit this week.

From The Guardian • Apr. 14, 2010

Punctilious, prompt and useless was De Nicola's reply.

From Time Magazine Archive

Would Engel be happier as a spy, glamorous and deadly: I just can’t imagine her in any role other than Beastly Punctilious Official.

From "Code Name Verity" by Elizabeth Wein

punctilious

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punctilious

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