scrupulous

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

: very careful about doing something correctly

: careful about doing what is honest and morally right

Full Definition of SCRUPULOUS

: having moral integrity : acting in strict regard for what is considered right or proper

: punctiliously exact : painstaking <working with scrupulous care>

— scru·pu·lous·ly adverb

— scru·pu·lous·ness noun

See scrupulous defined for English-language learners

See scrupulous defined for kids

Examples of SCRUPULOUS

While many assume that a conservative reading of the Constitution will lead inevitably to a conservative interpretation, Amar has argued, in scholarly articles and in a previous book, “The Bill of Rights,” that paying scrupulous attention to the text, history and structure of the Constitution often reveals support for liberal outcomes. —James Ryerson, New York Times Book Review, 6 Nov. 2005
Most clients praise the lawyer effusively. Rubenstein declares that Grubman never represents both parties in any one matter, is scrupulous in disclosing his relations to all his clients and abides by the conflict rules of the legal profession. —Johnnie L. Roberts, Newsweek, 6 Aug. 2001
Tax-shelter proliferation has reached such epidemic proportions that it has actually spurred a backlash among the more conscientious members of the tax profession. A few scrupulous tax lawyers have anonymously leaked details of shelter schemes to the IRS. —Franklin Foer, New Republic, 5 June 2000
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Origin of SCRUPULOUS

Middle English, from Latin scrupulosus, from scrupulus (see ²scruple)

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to SCRUPULOUS

Synonyms: conscionable, ethical, honest, honorable, just, moral, principled, conscientious

Antonyms: cutthroat, dishonest, dishonorable, immoral, unconscionable, unethical, unjust, unprincipled, unscrupulous

Synonym Discussion of SCRUPULOUS

upright, honest, just, conscientious, scrupulous, honorable mean having or showing a strict regard for what is morally right. upright implies a strict adherence to moral principles <a stern and upright minister>. honest stresses adherence to such virtues as truthfulness, candor, fairness <known for being honest in business dealings>. just stresses conscious choice and regular practice of what is right or equitable <workers given just compensation>. 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>. 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>.

careful, meticulous, scrupulous, punctilious mean showing close attention to detail. careful implies attentiveness and cautiousness in avoiding mistakes <a careful worker>. meticulous may imply either commendable extreme carefulness or a hampering finicky caution over small points <meticulous scholarship>. scrupulous applies to what is proper or fitting or ethical <scrupulous honesty>. punctilious implies minute, even excessive attention to fine points <punctilious observance of ritual>.

SCRUPULOUSNESS Defined for Kids