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.

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

Because of the meticulous drafting technique, there is little room for individual expression in the drawing.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 27, 2026

Yet the meticulous Emery - who studies opposition footage while on the treadmill at the gym - will not leave such a momentous evening to chance.

From BBC • May 20, 2026

I thought it took a lot of care to assemble an aircraft, but they were just thrown together compared to the meticulous work being done inside the “white room” at St. Louis.

From "Flying to the Moon: An Astronaut's Story" by Michael Collins

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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