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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 No responsible company would risk violating the FCPA under such conditions, and thus any theoretical benefits of this policy would accrue only to their less scrupulous competitors. Bloomberg Opinion, Twin Cities, 3 Apr. 2025 Functional character, product engineering, extreme study of spaces, scrupulous search for a unique design that finds in detail an extreme elegance combined with highly performing technological elements, are the thread of this innovative project. Jim Dobson, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024 In leaving much of his story up to intuition — and taking a climactic turn toward the surreal — Chowdhury crafts a scrupulous slow-burn drama about a kind of obsession that, despite being opaque, comes off as entirely tragic. Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 17 Dec. 2024 Molnar captures the isolation, despair and mind-breaking tedium of early motherhood with scrupulous precision. Irina Dumitrescu, The Dial, 27 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for scrupulous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scrupulous
Adjective
  • The comparison with Lexus is honorable but not accurate.
    Josh Max, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
  • We were honored because our parents were honorable.
    Harriette Cole, Mercury News, 19 May 2025
Adjective
  • But Reza doesn’t let his meticulous consideration stop at the stunning accessories the masion offers.
    Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 24 May 2025
  • Using sonar systems on Sentry and the research vessel Atlantis, the team was able to successfully conduct meticulous surveys of the submarine.
    Stephen Smith, CBS News, 24 May 2025
Adjective
  • Hybrid tea roses are the classic case as continual new waves of flowers depend on conscientious removal of spent blooms.
    Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 24 May 2025
  • And a committed Marxist's cold-blooded murder of two Israeli embassy staffers in Washington, D.C. Wednesday night was the natural and inevitable consequence of a conscientious, years-long campaign to dehumanize Jews and otherize all supporters of the world's only Jewish state.
    Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 May 2025
Adjective
  • Watch out for slippery roads: Be extra careful during the first half hour after rain begins.
    Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 25 May 2025
  • Momentum is a real thing within the postseason, and if the Thunder aren't careful, Minnesota could sneak back into this matchup.
    Matt Levine, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 May 2025
Adjective
  • Ever-committed to ethical leadership, sustainable growth, and responsible business practices, Mr. Jitjanuruk imparts these goals on the next generation of financial leaders and the modern fintech industry.
    Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 23 May 2025
  • The controversial transfer has sparked a political furor, with both Democrats and Republicans opposing the luxury jet on ethical grounds.
    Jade Walker, CNN Money, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • Parks-Ramage doesn’t come to a specific conclusion, and although some of his more righteous characters seem to be firmly on the reproduction-is-immoral side, his depiction of Gabriel’s childlike wonder and imagination is tender and loving.
    Ilana Masad, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2025
  • This disorder also affects a parent’s ability to be an attentive and loving caregiver.
    Ty Schepis, The Conversation, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • Judges sometimes make decisions that are objectionable from a moral and legal standpoint.
    Michael Gregory, The Conversation, 23 May 2025
  • Revolutionary fervor and strict moral codes reshaped film, censoring depictions of gender, modern lifestyles, and social realities.
    Ali Farahmand, IndieWire, 23 May 2025
Adjective
  • Most of us who are mindful of the sun are likely diligent about our SPF application — and reapplication — on areas like our noses and the tops of our ears.
    Claire Sullivan, Footwear News, 30 May 2025
  • Shooting for 14 hours means Miller and her makeup artist, Kasey Spickard, have to be very diligent about her base routine.
    Tayler Adigun, Essence, 28 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Scrupulous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scrupulous. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.

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