scrupulous

UK: /ˈskruːpjʊləs/ US: /ˈskrupjələs/ ,(skro̅o̅′pyə ləs)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

scru•pu•lous /ˈskrupyələs/   adj. 

1. of or relating to scruples.
2. very precise; strictly exact:
   scrupulous adherence to duty.

scru•pu•los•i•ty /ˌskrupyəˈlɑsɪti/  n. [uncountable]
scru•pu•lous•ly, adv.: 

He was scrupulously on time to every class.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

scru•pu•lous  (skro̅o̅′pyə ləs), adj. 

1. having scruples; having or showing a strict regard for what one considers right;
   principled.
2. punctiliously or minutely careful, precise, or exact:
   a scrupulous performance.

• Latin scrūpulōsus. See scruple, -ous
• late Middle English 1400–50

scru•pu•los•i•ty  (skro̅o̅′pyə los′i tē), scru′pu•lous•ness, n.  scru′pu•lous•ly, adv. 
Synonyms

• 1. conscientious, cautious, careful, circumspect.
• 2. exacting, rigorous.
  Scrupulous, punctilious imply abiding exactly by rules.
  Scrupulous implies conscientious carefulness in attending to details:
  scrupulous attention to details.
  Punctilious suggests strictness, preciseness, and rigidity, esp. in observance of social conventions.

Antonyms

• 2. careless.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

scrupulous / ˈskruːpjʊləs/ adjective

1. characterized by careful observation of what is morally right
2. very careful or precise

Etymology: 15th Century: from Latin scrūpulōsus punctilious

ˈscrupulously adverb

ˈscrupulousness noun