IELTS Speaking · Vocabulary
meticulous
adjectiveməˈtɪkjələsBand 8
Last updated 2 September 2026
In short
“meticulous” is a Band 8 adjective that means showing great attention to detail; very careful and precise. Below you'll find its pronunciation, natural example sentences, synonyms and antonyms, and the collocations that help you use it accurately in the IELTS Speaking test.
Meaning
Showing great attention to detail; very careful and precise.
Example sentences
- “Her meticulous notes made revision much easier.”
- “The project required meticulous planning.”
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms
thoroughpainstakingscrupulous
Antonyms
carelesssloppyslapdash
Collocations & common phrases
Collocations
meticulous attention to detailmeticulous planningmeticulously researched
Common phrases
meticulous about something
Related words
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Frequently asked questions
What does “meticulous” mean?
Showing great attention to detail; very careful and precise.
How do you use “meticulous” in a sentence?
For example: “Her meticulous notes made revision much easier.”
What are some synonyms for “meticulous”?
Synonyms include thorough, painstaking, scrupulous.
Is “meticulous” good vocabulary for IELTS Speaking?
Yes. It is Band 8 vocabulary, and collocations such as meticulous attention to detail, meticulous planning, meticulously researched help you use it naturally. Reaching for precise, less common words like this is exactly what lifts your Lexical Resource score.