punctiliousness

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

punc•til•i•ous /pʌŋkˈtɪliəs/   adj. 

1. strict or exact in obeying the formalities of conduct, behavior, or actions:
   was very punctilious about following orders.

punc•til•i•ous•ly, adv. 
punc•til•i•ous•ness, n. [uncountable] See -punct-.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

punc•til•i•ous  (pungk til′ē əs), adj. 

1. extremely attentive to punctilios;
   strict or exact in the observance of the formalities or amenities of conduct or actions.

• punctili(o) + -ous 1625–35

punc•til′i•ous•ly, adv. 
punc•til′i•ous•ness, n. 
Synonyms

precise, demanding; careful, conscientious. See scrupulous. 

Antonyms

careless.