# scrupulous

/ˈskɹupjəɫəs/ (US) · /skɹˈuːpjʊləs/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/scrupulous
Updated: 2026-10-16

## Definition

describing someone who is extremely honest and careful to do what is right. It also describes someone who pays very close attention to every small detail.

For teachers: characterised by strict adherence to ethical principles or meticulous attention to minute details. Often used to describe professional conduct or academic rigor.

## Examples

- She is scrupulous about keeping her promises.
- The researcher was scrupulous in documenting every minor change in the experiment to ensure the results were valid.
- A scrupulous examination of the historical records revealed several discrepancies that previous scholars had overlooked during their more cursory reviews.

## Synonyms

conscientious, honest, principled, ethical, meticulous, thorough, painstaking

## Antonyms

unscrupulous, dishonest, careless, unethical

## Usage notes

- Commonly followed by the preposition 'in' or 'about'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.