scrupulously

American  

[skroo-pyuh-luhs-lee] / ˈskru pjə ləs li /

adverb

1. in a way that shows strict regard for moral standards or principles.

   He has a reputation as a consistently hardworking and scrupulously honest and fair newspaperman.

2. in a way that shows care or precision.

   The authors have scrupulously researched the culinary culture of the early 18th century.

---

Other Word Forms

• hyperscrupulously
  adverb
• underscrupulously
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of scrupulously

scrupulous ( def. ) + -ly

Explanation

To do something scrupulously is to do it very carefully. It's the opposite of doing something sloppily. To be scrupulous is to be careful, exact, and conscientious, so to do something scrupulously is to give it close attention and to strive for perfection. Diligent workers do their jobs scrupulously. A teacher who provides students with extra tutoring is behaving scrupulously. An accountant who does your taxes scrupulously is not likely to make a mistake. The Latin root word is scrupulus, literally "a small, sharp stone," and figuratively meaning "uneasiness or pricking of conscience."

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

scrupulously

The Times, CNN, and other outlets that have covered the imbroglio have scrupulously avoided using the word affair.

From Slate ● Aug. 21, 2026

A scrupulously honest adviser with no conflicts of interest can still give you advice that loses a lot of money.

From MarketWatch ● Jun. 16, 2026

Though scrupulously executed, they often look self-satisfied and rhetorical.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 1, 2026

But the scrupulously low-key Rubio was not about to do it in public.

From Barron's ● Oct. 9, 2025

McCandless, I came to believe with increasing conviction, scrupulously steered clear of the reportedly toxic H. mackenzii and never ate its seeds or any other part of the plant.

From "Into the Wild" by Jon Krakauer

Related Words

• carefully
• meticulously