Scrupulous — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /ˈskrü-pyə-ləs/ scru·pu·lous

Meaning & Definition of Scrupulous

Scrupulous (adjective)

  1. having moral integrity, acting in strict regard for what is considered right or proper
  2. punctiliously exact, painstaking

Scrupulous (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. guided by or in accordance with one's sense of right and wrong

    "an exemplar of morality who was scrupulous in all of his dealings"

    similar: conscientious, conscionable, ethical, honest, honorable, just, moral, principled
    related: decent, good, righteous, right-minded, straight, upright, virtuous, dutiful, observant, respectful, overconscientious, reliable, responsible, solid, tried-and-true, true, trustworthy, trusty, esteemed, law-abiding, reputable, respected, upstanding, worthy
    opposite: cutthroat, dishonest, dishonorable, immoral, unconscionable, unethical, unjust, unprincipled, unscrupulous
    near: bad, evil, evil-minded, immoral, indecent, sinful, unrighteous, wicked, unreliable, untrustworthy, corrupt, debased, debauched, degenerate, depraved, dissolute, perverted, reprobate, atrocious, infamous, villainous, base, low, mean, vicious, vile, iniquitous, nefarious

  2. taking, showing, or involving great care and effort

    "a scrupulous attention to detail is evident in all of his reporting"

    similar: careful, conscientious, fussy, loving, meticulous, painstaking
    related: assiduous, diligent, indefatigable, persevering, sedulous, exhaustive, thorough, thoroughgoing, alert, attentive, observant, vigilant, watchful, accurate, exact, precise, strict, critical, demanding, discriminating, exacting, fastidious, finicky, particular, cautious, chary, circumspect, gingerly, guarded, heedful, mindful, wary, deliberate, plodding, slow, studied, thoughtful, all-out, determined, dogged, intensive, patient, tenacious, tireless, zealous
    opposite: careless
    near: cursory, halfhearted, heedless, inattentive, incautious, mindless, regardless, unguarded, unsafe, unwary, lax, neglectful, negligent, slipshod, sloppy, slovenly, imprecise, inaccurate, uncritical, undemanding, undiscriminating, bold, impetuous, rash, reckless, apathetic, indifferent, lackadaisical, lazy, lazyish

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Scrupulous

The most common words with a similar meaning to Scrupulous:

conscientious, conscionable, ethical, honest, honorable, just, moral, principled, careful, fussy, loving, meticulous, painstaking

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Scrupulous

Words with the opposite meaning of Scrupulous:

cutthroat, dishonest, dishonorable, immoral, unconscionable, unethical, unjust, unprincipled, unscrupulous, careless

Related Words for Scrupulous

decent, good, righteous, right-minded, straight, upright, virtuous, dutiful, observant, respectful, overconscientious, reliable, responsible, solid, tried-and-true, true, trustworthy, trusty, esteemed, law-abiding, reputable, respected, upstanding, worthy, assiduous, diligent, indefatigable, persevering, sedulous, exhaustive

Near Antonyms of Scrupulous

bad, evil, evil-minded, indecent, sinful, unrighteous, wicked, unreliable, untrustworthy, corrupt, debased, debauched, degenerate, depraved, dissolute, perverted, reprobate, atrocious, infamous, villainous, base, low, mean, vicious, vile, iniquitous, nefarious, cursory, halfhearted, heedless

Word Forms of Scrupulous

Derived words: scrupulously (adverb), scrupulousness (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Scrupulous

Middle English, from Latin scrupulosus, from scrupulus see scruple:2

First known use: 1542

Frequently Asked Questions about Scrupulous

What does "Scrupulous" mean?

"Scrupulous" means having moral integrity, acting in strict regard for what is considered right or proper. As an adjective, it is defined as: having moral integrity, acting in strict regard for what is considered right or proper. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Scrupulous"?

Other words for "Scrupulous" include conscientious, conscionable, ethical, honest, honorable, just, moral and principled. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Scrupulous" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Scrupulous"?

There are 81 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Scrupulous". Common alternatives include conscientious, conscionable, ethical, honest, honorable, just, moral, principled, careful and fussy.

What is the opposite of "Scrupulous"?

Antonyms of "Scrupulous" include cutthroat, dishonest, dishonorable, immoral, unconscionable, unethical, unjust and unprincipled. Near antonyms include bad, evil, evil-minded and indecent.

How do you use "Scrupulous" in a sentence?

Examples of "Scrupulous" in a sentence: "an exemplar of morality who was scrupulous in all of his dealings"; "a scrupulous attention to detail is evident in all of his reporting".

Is "Scrupulous" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Scrupulous" is an adjective.

How do you pronounce "Scrupulous"?

"Scrupulous" is pronounced /ˈskrü-pyə-ləs/ and divided into syllables as scru·pu·lous.

What is the origin of the word "Scrupulous"?

"Scrupulous" comes from Middle English, from Latin scrupulosus, from scrupulus see scruple:2. First known use: 1542.