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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective scrupulous differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of scrupulous are conscientious, honest, honorable, just, and upright. While all these words mean "having or showing a strict regard for what is morally right," conscientious and scrupulous imply an active moral sense governing all one's actions and painstaking efforts to follow one's conscience.

conscientious in the completion of her assignments
scrupulous in carrying out the terms of the will

When could honest be used to replace scrupulous?

In some situations, the words honest and scrupulous are roughly equivalent. However, honest stresses adherence to such virtues as truthfulness, candor, or fairness.

known for being honest in business dealings

When would honorable be a good substitute for scrupulous?

The words honorable and scrupulous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, honorable suggests a firm holding to codes of right behavior and the guidance of a high sense of honor and duty.

a difficult but honorable decision

When might just be a better fit than scrupulous?

The words just and scrupulous can be used in similar contexts, but just stresses conscious choice and regular practice of what is right or equitable.

workers given just compensation

When is it sensible to use upright instead of scrupulous?

While in some cases nearly identical to scrupulous, upright implies a strict adherence to moral principles.

a stern and upright minister

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 scrupulous The tax break sparked a cottage industry of scrupulous companies pushing the tax break to small businesses that didn’t qualify. Kate Dore, Cfp®, Ea, CNBC, 20 May 2025 In recent years, the rise of even less scrupulous and more rapacious influencer commentariat, with enormous YouTube and social followings, has further escalated the pressures celebrities face. Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 21 May 2025 Chernow, ever scrupulous, does not ignore the complexities, but his caution becomes its own kind of evasion. Lauren Michele Jackson, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2025 But what if someone less scrupulous had been included on messages of such sensitivity? Niall Stanage, The Hill, 24 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for scrupulous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scrupulous
Adjective
  • Its own sly twist casts Robert Mitchum—the original Cady—as the elderly, honorable police lieutenant Elgart, and Gregory Peck, 1962’s Bowden, as Cady’s defense attorney.
    Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 29 July 2025
  • To this attack, some men have responded by lending their support to individuals that embody none of those honorable traits that men aspire to internalize.
    Rafael Perez, Oc Register, 21 July 2025
Adjective
  • Though beefy humanoids like Boston Dynamics’ Atlas have been able to perform terrifyingly impressive feats of acrobatics for the better part of a decade, many of those feats were scripted and the result of meticulous coding and fine-tuning by human engineers.
    Mack DeGeurin, Popular Science, 23 July 2025
  • Their ‘Rare Handcrafts’ models showcase the delicate art of hand engraving under a binocular microscope, creating a newfound appreciation for the meticulous work of jewelry and watchmakers.
    Anna Haines, AFAR Media, 23 July 2025
Adjective
  • New hires can't learn by example because there's no one to watch, and conscientious peers can't see when newcomers are struggling.
    David Meade, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
  • Each one should be the result of a deliberate, conscientious decision by the only person elected to make it.
    Sreedhar Potarazu, Baltimore Sun, 19 July 2025
Adjective
  • The trailer is careful to showcase the film’s scale – fighter planes soar, speedboats roar, trains careen, and cities flash by in a blur – while keeping plot details tantalizingly out of reach.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 25 July 2025
  • State officials are careful to identify the correct individual with the precise address before sending any money.
    Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 25 July 2025
Adjective
  • In fact, few groups in society are as universally disliked as ethical vegans, vegetarians and advocates for animal rights.
    GrrlScientist, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
  • Similarly, the ethical OM Project line from 1997 and 1998 was forward-looking.
    Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 21 July 2025
Adjective
  • In an interview with 60 Minutes, Judy was described as his biggest fan, and their close relationship shows in the loving maternal characters in Adam’s films.
    Emily Krauser, People.com, 30 July 2025
  • An article from Dog Mixology reported that dachshund and Bernedoodle mixes are known for being friendly, loving and loyal to families.
    Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 July 2025
Adjective
  • This gap is a moral issue and a missed opportunity.
    Alexis Kayser, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 July 2025
  • Human decision making includes context, experience and moral reasoning.
    Haider Ali, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
Adjective
  • The 12-year-old gets the award for most diligent gardener.
    Caleb Harris, Austin American Statesman, 31 July 2025
  • But this doesn’t look like a diligent, open-minded search for the truth.
    Steve Bousquet, Sun Sentinel, 26 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Scrupulous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scrupulous. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.

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