scrupulously
Americanadverb
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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.
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in a way that shows care or precision.
The authors have scrupulously researched the culinary culture of the early 18th century.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of scrupulously
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."
Vocabulary lists containing scrupulously
The Giver
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Ender's Game
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Just Mercy
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
It means adhering scrupulously to the requirements of the War Powers Resolution of 1973 unless the Supreme Court decides that it is unconstitutional.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 19, 2026
The CNE called for "patience" as it finishes the count delayed by technical difficulties, and has vowed the end result will "scrupulously respect the popular will."
From Barron's • Dec. 3, 2025
"He will, I am sure, be scrupulously correct and civil," he adds.
From BBC • Sep. 14, 2025
A couple of seasons ago in Phoenix, I had taped a midday match to watch after work and was scrupulously avoiding any source of spoilers.
From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 2, 2025
Nixon’s day was recorded in the official White House Daily Diary, a scrupulously accurate record of what he did and when, and whom he did it with.
From "Boots on the Ground: America's War in Vietnam" by Elizabeth Partridge
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
