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

That is just one of the methods the meticulous Aston Villa boss uses to hone the mental discipline required at football's highest level.

From BBC • May 20, 2026

Each night, with meticulous care, Homer opened his satchel and removed a set of manacles.

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

Vocabulary lists containing meticulous

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List 2

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