methodical

adjective

me·​thod·​i·​cal mə-ˈthä-di-kəl How to pronounce methodical (audio)
variants or less commonly methodic
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 adverb
methodicalness noun

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.
Companies such as Toyota and Ford took a methodical approach to their transition toward hybrid and electric vehicles. Georgia Godfrey, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024 Overall, the report found that consumers are engaging in holiday shopping with a very methodical approach this year. Alexandra Pastore, WWD, 28 Oct. 2024 To sit with them quietly and listen to their methodical chewing was unexpectedly restorative. Holden Frith, The Week Uk, theweek, 26 Oct. 2024 In Relay, however, the service is used to maintain anonymity by a man (Riz Ahmed) whose name might be Tom, or Ash, or something else, a cool, methodical professional who helps protect whistleblowers that have had a change of heart. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 9 Sep. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near methodical

Cite this Entry

“Methodical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/methodical. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

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 adverb
methodicalness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on methodical

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!