Definition of scrupulousnext
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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 Brighton & Hove Albion have discovered to their cost that intense global interest attached to every move and kick in the Premier League requires scrupulous attention to detail. Andy Naylor, New York Times, 3 Dec. 2025 All under Guadagnino’s scrupulous direction and cinematographer Malik Sayeed’s (Belly) visualization, the performative guise of Ivy League school decorum delivers as the perfect dichotomy to the serious nature of what these characters put each other through. Malik Peay, Essence, 9 Oct. 2025 The Sweet Dove Died is a scrupulous novel. Literary Hub, 15 Sep. 2025 The footage is poignant not just on account of Harvey’s tears of joy but also because, in his eyes, the technology has clearly lived up to scrupulous professional standards. Gus Alexiou, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for scrupulous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scrupulous
Adjective
  • Though the art that first spoke to me was honest and honorable depictions of Black life, I have since been inspired, gutted and changed by artists from all walks of life.
    Anya Sesay, jsonline.com, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Democratic Congressman Mike Thompson called LaMalfa an honorable public servant and recounted the two working together to deliver help for wildfire victims.
    Steve Large, CBS News, 25 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The music was intimidating—funk and bebop, Afro-Caribbean—but Don was patient, somehow both meticulous and mellow.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Reznor has always been meticulous about structure.
    Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Those places were unregulated, untaxed and, typically, not particularly conscientious about checking ID.
    Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 6 Feb. 2026
  • Many states are new enacting or widening already broad religious and conscientious exemptions.
    Richard Hughes IV, STAT, 12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • But turning this moment into lasting advantage will require careful planning, not just short-term opportunism.
    Yinka Adegoke, semafor.com, 7 Feb. 2026
  • Be careful when handling debris that may have blown into your yard.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 7 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Karp’s defense of Epstein raises ethical and professional questions.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 5 Feb. 2026
  • The party is attempting to establish itself as the responsible anchor of a fragile coalition — a role that demands ethical clarity, internal coherence, and strategic restraint.
    Sam Mkokeli, semafor.com, 4 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • At a time of widespread fear and distrust in the United States, Bad Bunny offered a loving and optimistic vision of the American experience during his halftime show at Sunday’s Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara.
    Mikael Wood, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Savannah Guthrie and her two siblings issued an emotional plea on Instagram for their mom's return, citing her spunk, her loving personality and her vulnerability.
    Helen Rummel, AZCentral.com, 4 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • No artist, agent or employee should ever be expected to defend or overlook actions that conflict so deeply with our own moral values.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 Feb. 2026
  • The movie is, above all, about the moral compromise and human costs that come with immigration enforcement.
    Alexander Nazaryan, New Yorker, 10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The cases placed a spotlight on homeschooling, but some advocates said that homeschool parents are largely highly diligent about educating their children and should not be penalized for the other cases.
    Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 8 Feb. 2026
  • The diligent work of our law enforcement partners time and again uncovers those attempting to hide behind a computer screen.
    Doug Myers, CBS News, 6 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Scrupulous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scrupulous. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

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