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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 Still, others were more scrupulous in their presentation of information. Liam Reilly, CNN, 26 Nov. 2024 Evidence Action stopped soliciting funds for it and later shut it down — an unusually scrupulous move for a charity. Dylan Matthews, Vox, 26 Nov. 2018 Improvements were barely perceptible to begin with but my doctor’s strategies proved helpful in time: a very dull and scrupulous diet, herbs for liver support, daily sweating, and crucially, charcoal tablets that bind with mould. Melissa Kenny, refinery29.com, 30 Oct. 2024 Paragon, which characterizes itself as a scrupulous kind of spyware maker, is likely responding to the US government’s global push for responsible surveillance. Vas Panagiotopoulos, WIRED, 1 Oct. 2024 See All Example Sentences for scrupulous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scrupulous
Adjective
  • Of course, Greg/Gary is an honorable guy who would never bankrupt Belinda to teach her a lesson about greed and blackmail.
    Jodi Guglielmi, Rolling Stone, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Some Union soldiers attended the event, and two Union officers delivered orations, each focusing on the topic of reconciliation between the honorable foes.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 5 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • For high-value assets such as real estate or investment accounts, meticulous record-keeping is critical.
    Virginia La Torre Jeker, J.D., Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Why, despite Mary’s 14 calls to the Broward Sheriff’s Office in the last year of her life and her meticulous reports, didn’t BSO deputies arrest Nathan?
    Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 6 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • That dissonance is a function of how eating less meat has been wrapped in a conscientious and moral sheen.
    Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 24 Mar. 2025
  • Emily is a conscientious worker who is constantly evaluating her performance and setting ever higher goals.
    Heide Janssen, Orange County Register, 16 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • But the discussion around Golden this season has been muted, strained and careful all the way to the end, Monday’s dramatic 65-63 comeback win against Houston to seize the title.
    Joe Rexrode, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Many target companies use different software and services—Google vs. Microsoft, on-premise vs. cloud, etc. Unraveling and consolidating these technologies is a complex process that requires careful planning and execution.
    David Van Ronk, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The American Journal of Transplantation study found that China is likely violating the dead donor rule, an ethical norm which requires all organ donors to be dead before their organs are harvested.
    Lee Habeeb, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Apr. 2025
  • So, if insects can feel pain, as most Americans believe, then there is an ethical reason to protect their welfare.
    Bob Fischer, The Conversation, 4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Brandi has already played a loving role in Elton’s valedictory run.
    Jon Dolan, Rolling Stone, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Etta was able to fall in love and be in a super loving relationship.
    Juan Velasquez, Them., 1 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Timothy Ratliff learned to cling to family, but his family is awful, especially since Piper, who started the season as the moral Ratliff, learned she can’t be bothered to find enlightenment if enlightenment doesn’t have better organic catering.
    Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 7 Apr. 2025
  • And while the moral standards endure, the monetary temptation has only grown.
    Martin Edel, Sportico.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Beyond analyzing troves of data to sift through requirements even the most diligent person might miss, AI can proactively respond to requests with lightning speed—a superhuman ability that might have saved Josef K from the state.
    Michael Ashley, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Being diligent in evaluating these costs can lead to significant savings over time.
    Jessica Ledingham, J.D., Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Scrupulous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scrupulous. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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