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

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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.
Gunther, however, consistently taunted Aldis's wife, Mickie James, and son at ringside, employing a brutal, methodical approach. — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026 Outside the constraints of the competition, Colquitt was a calm and methodical artisan. — John Semley, Harpers Magazine, 28 July 2026 Instead of a methodical approach to their third drive of the game, though, the Broncos hit the gas. — Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 16 July 2026 Later this evening, however, the moon slips into the meticulous and methodical sign of Virgo, which, in turn, grounds the atmosphere. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 16 July 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

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Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Methodical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/methodical. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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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

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