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.

Full results have not yet been called in the state where delays are common due to a particularly meticulous vote-counting process and broad use of mail-in ballots.

From BBC • Jun. 7, 2026

Steve Capus, a veteran network producer who worked with Pelley at the “CBS Evening News,” said his former colleague was built for the meticulous work that goes into every “60 Minutes” segment.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 4, 2026

I just had my meticulous records that I'd been keeping.

From BBC • May 31, 2026

Especially helpful are Ms. Jensen’s meticulous, well-illustrated instructions for mixing, folding and shaping the dough.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026

I did as she asked, and she thanked me—her manners were always meticulous.

From "An Elephant in the Garden" by Michael Morpurgo

Vocabulary lists containing meticulous

100 Words Every Middle Schooler Should Know

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Essential Academic Vocabulary for High School Students, List 1

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List 2

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