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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 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 Russia's dependence on fuel exports to Europe would be just as great even with a team of committed democrats and scrupulous public servants running the Kremlin. Andrei Shleifer, Foreign Affairs, 1 Jan. 2011 See All Example Sentences for scrupulous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scrupulous
Adjective
  • After his honorable discharge from the Marine Corps, Quang enjoyed a successful pharmaceutical sales stint as a top producer for Astra/Merck and then Genentech.
    Quang X. Pham, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
  • This courageous display helped convince the West that providing Ukraine arms aid was honorable and beneficial.
    Ihor N. Stelmach, Hartford Courant, 22 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The project aims to bring visibility to, and help preserve, these ancestral dyeing practices, which demand many hours of meticulous work often underestimated within the textile sector.
    Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025
  • The answer is less salacious, and merely involves meticulous planning.
    Beatrice Verhoeven, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Mowery recently launched Azure Road, a new culinary, travel, and lifestyle publication for conscientious consumers.
    Lauren Mowery, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
  • If the exemption is granted based on religious or personal belief, it is called a conscientious exemption.
    Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA TODAY, 27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • In comments at the Morgan Stanley media conference, the Fox CEO was again extremely careful to stress that the goal is not to cannibalize linear television and Fox will not advertise it on linear television but is meant purely to capture those who cut the cord or have never subscribed to cable.
    Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 3 Mar. 2025
  • There’s potential for clarity in resolving any lingering tension, but also be careful not to speak too rashly.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 3 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • But sometimes, staying is the more ethical choice, Rutgers philosophy professor Alex Guerrero told Morning Edition host A Martínez.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 27 Feb. 2025
  • Clear definition of values and purpose: Values are the ethical principles that define the organization's identity and guide its decisions, behavior and corporate culture.
    Susana Sierra, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Even if your partner is loving and dependable, trust requires vulnerability.
    Mark Travers, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2025
  • As far as Rich, 71, is concerned, Brock hasn't strayed far from his always complicated, but loving, blended family.
    Sabienna Bowman, People.com, 9 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Yet in a time of moral urgency for so many groups but especially Jews, antisemites are getting louder while those who would defend Jews are getting quieter.
    Steven Zeitchik, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Mar. 2025
  • Jerrold’s accompanying text is much more strident, decrying the moral failings that lead to imprisonment and waxing dubious on the value of prison reform, rehabilitation efforts, and charity.
    Sarah C. Schaefer, Artforum, 1 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Kurt's key takeaways Tony's story is a chilling reminder that even the most diligent savers can fall victim to sophisticated scams.
    Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, Fox News, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Ignoring these factors can undermine even the most diligent retirement saver. 3.
    Mike Vietri, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Scrupulous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scrupulous. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

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