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View synonyms for punctilious

punctilious

[ puhngk-til-ee-uhs ]

adjective

  1. extremely attentive to punctilios; strict or exact in the observance of the formalities or amenities of conduct or actions.

    Synonyms: conscientious, careful, demanding, precise

    Antonyms: careless



punctilious

/ pʌŋkˈtɪlɪəs /

adjective

  1. paying scrupulous attention to correctness in etiquette
  2. attentive to detail
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


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Derived Forms

  • puncˈtiliousness, noun
  • puncˈtiliously, adverb
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Other Words From

  • punc·tili·ous·ly adverb
  • punc·tili·ous·ness noun
  • unpunc·tili·ous adjective
  • unpunc·tili·ous·ly adverb
  • unpunc·tili·ous·ness noun
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Word History and Origins

Origin of punctilious1

First recorded in 1625–35; punctili(o) + -ous
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Synonym Study

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Example Sentences

The Tory revolutionary was so punctilious and respectful of her monarch it was almost embarrassing.

Denis Thatcher got on well with the Queen Mother, enjoyed a drink as much as she did, and was punctilious about royal protocol.

The little boy of two, often quoted here, showed a punctilious feeling for order in the placing of things.

Never lacking natural dignity, he was not punctilious in mere matters of form.

As the representative of his father-in-law, Haggard asked his lordship with punctilious hospitality if he would take another peg.

Fletcher's whole soul was possessed by a sore, jealous, punctilious patriotism.

He was a servant and a lackey, and the punctilious gentlemen opposed to him were not inclined to cross swords with him.

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punctiliopunctual