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Definition of scrupulous

scrupulous

/ˈskruːpjələs/
scru · pu · lous
Adverb:scrupulously
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scrupulous Lexical Profile

scrupulous Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Diligent, thorough, and extremely attentive to details; carried out with great care and precision.

Example

"The research team conducted a scrupulous examination of the archival records before publishing their findings."

2

Strictly honorable and concerned with avoiding wrongdoing; guided by a strong moral conscience.

Example

"Known as a scrupulous judge, she recused herself from the case the moment a potential conflict of interest arose."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for scrupulous

• Nearby Words

scrunchie
scrunchy
scruple
scrupulous
scrupulously
scrupulousness
scrutinization

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the 15th century from Old French scrupuleux or directly from Latin scrupulosus, meaning 'rough, jagged, or exact.' It derives from Latin scrupulus, a diminutive of scrupus ('sharp stone'), used figuratively by Cicero to describe a small, nagging source of moral uneasiness—like a pebble in one's shoe.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Scrupulous. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/scrupulous
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