Definition of punctiliousnext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word punctilious different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of punctilious are careful, meticulous, and scrupulous. While all these words mean "showing close attention to detail," punctilious implies minute, even excessive attention to fine points.

punctilious observance of ritual

Where would careful be a reasonable alternative to punctilious?

The synonyms careful and punctilious are sometimes interchangeable, but careful implies attentiveness and cautiousness in avoiding mistakes.

a careful worker

In what contexts can meticulous take the place of punctilious?

The words meticulous and punctilious can be used in similar contexts, but meticulous may imply either commendable extreme carefulness or a hampering finicky caution over small points.

meticulous scholarship

When can scrupulous be used instead of punctilious?

While the synonyms scrupulous and punctilious are close in meaning, scrupulous applies to what is proper or fitting or ethical.

scrupulous honesty

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of punctilious Eliminate the constant replays to create punctilious correctness. Richard E. Vatz, Baltimore Sun, 15 June 2026 Rick is tightly scheduled, punctilious to a fault, endowed with verbal wit that gently but firmly shapes and smooths social interactions. Richard Brody, New Yorker, 29 May 2026 The Irish actor Andrew Scott deftly embodies James Stagg, the punctilious Scottish chief meteorologist. Daniel Jonah Wolpert, NPR, 29 May 2026 The following top 10 best horror movies of 2024 are all quality films that will stand the test of time thanks to their punctilious craft. Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 1 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for punctilious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for punctilious
Adjective
  • Fireworks from formal rocket shows to impromptu street celebrations can create extremely unhealthy air quality, sometimes rivaling what comes from wildfires.
    Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 4 July 2026
  • The impression was bolstered Friday afternoon when dozens of A-list celebrities were seen heading into the venue in formal wear, from Karlie Kloss and Hugh Grant to Jason Sudeikis and Chris Jones.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 3 July 2026
Adjective
  • The press coverage in Austria and Germany had been relatively decorous.
    William Finnegan, New Yorker, 29 June 2026
  • This is a lovely, if rather decorous and reverent, tale of an illicit affair that’s unlikely to cause as much noise as Dhont’s last two films.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 22 May 2026
Adjective
  • Jevremovic sued him for defamation in December but a judge threw out the case, citing that it hadn’t been filed in the correct jurisdiction.
    Mattha Busby, Rolling Stone, 3 July 2026
  • Croatia still furious Despite the correct decision being made, Croatia manager Zlatko Dalić was far from happy, saying VAR had ruined the spirit of the game.
    Ben Church, CNN Money, 3 July 2026
Adjective
  • It is celebrated with a ceremonious parade that features a cavalcade of men dressed in Roman soldier costumes, evoking a sense of solemn thanksgiving and spiritual devotion.
    Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Mar. 2026
  • The ones named Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion by the judges make a ceremonious visit at the end of the day to the Brown Palace Hotel and Spa in downtown Denver.
    Miguel Otárola, Denver Post, 21 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Neither side has been shy of attacking, which has been a nice change of pace compared with the first couple of knockout stage matches.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 30 June 2026
  • Been shooting some nice low scores in these last couple weeks outs here, so that’s something good to pat myself on the back.
    Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 29 June 2026
Adjective
  • Families, educators and advocates described barriers to accessing proper support and services.
    Heather Hollingsworth, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
  • Heat this severe can affect anyone without proper cooling or hydration, according to the weather service.
    Briana Waxman, CNN Money, 29 June 2026
Adjective
  • Ureña, a 22-year-old right-hander who has emerged as another potential ace, speaks of Soriano with a giddy amusement mixed with a solemn respect for how the starter has survived in the big leagues.
    Liana Handler, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
  • Dozens of firefighters lined the street in a solemn salute to their fallen colleagues.
    Chelsea Bailey, CNN Money, 29 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Punctilious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/punctilious. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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