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Showing results for meticulous. Search instead for Meticulous/2.
Definitions

meticulous

[muh-tik-yuh-luhs] / məˈtɪk yə ləs /
ADJECTIVE
detailed, perfectionist
Synonyms
STRONGEST
accurate cautious conscientious exact fastidious fussy painstaking precise scrupulous strict thorough
STRONG
detail-oriented
WEAK
conscionable crossing the t's dotting the i's heedful microscopic nitpicking particular persnickety picky punctilious punctual stickling
Antonyms
STRONGEST
careless false imprecise inaccurate indefinite inexact negligent questionable thoughtless uncareful uncritical undemanding unscrupulous
WEAK
messy sloppy undetailed

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.

Even the most meticulous definitions are temporary guides to a language that refuses to stand still.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

The less scrupulous voices also invade Beverly’s meticulous household like bulls in a suburban china shop.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 25, 2026

He was meticulous in ordering well-made clothes, and a “chariot” with some gilding wouldn’t be too excessive, he thought.

From Slate • Feb. 16, 2026

"I am grateful to the European states for the meticulous work they carried out over two years and for uncovering the truth," she added.

From BBC • Feb. 14, 2026

She was meticulous in her posture, a walking spear, in the manner of those who’d been made to bend and will bend no more.

From "The Underground Railroad: A Novel" by Colson Whitehead

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.