methodical

adjective

me·​thod·​i·​cal mə-ˈthä-di-kəl How to pronounce methodical (audio)
variants or less commonly methodic
mə-ˈthä-dik How to pronounce methodical (audio)
Synonyms of methodical
1
: arranged, characterized by, or performed with method or order
a methodical treatment of the subject
2
: habitually proceeding according to method : systematic
methodical in his daily routine
a methodical worker
methodically
mə-ˈthä-di-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce methodical (audio)
adverb
methodicalness
mə-ˈthä-di-kəl-nəs How to pronounce methodical (audio)
noun

Synonyms of methodical

Relevance
See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of methodical in a Sentence

Their methodical review of the evidence exposed some problems with the study's findings. She's a slow and methodical worker, and her drawings reflect the extra care she takes.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But when the fourth quarter started, the Rainbow Warriors wore down the Cardinal with long, methodical drives and turned that into a brief lead. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 30 Aug. 2026 It was put together in such a beautiful, methodical way, and all of the instruments were harmonizing perfectly. — Emily Tarinelli, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026 That too seems fitting for someone so methodical in their approach. — Selena Fragassi, SPIN, 27 Aug. 2026 Playing against an unbreakable Lynx defensive shell, the methodical Valkyries offense showed its worst habits. — Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for methodical

Word History

First Known Use

1570, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of methodical was in 1570

Rhymes for methodical

See All Rhymes for methodical

Browse Nearby Words

method actor
methodical
methodically
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Methodical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/methodical. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

methodical

adjective
me·​thod·​i·​cal mə-ˈthäd-i-kəl How to pronounce methodical (audio)
1
: marked by or performed or arranged by method or order
a methodical search
2
: being in the habit of following a method : systematic
a methodical teacher
methodically
-i-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce methodical (audio)
adverb
methodicalness
-i-kəl-nəs How to pronounce methodical (audio)
noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
skateboard-dog-hat
Wordmaxxing Slang Quiz Give your vocabulary a glow up by getting sendy w...
See All