methodical

adjective me·thod·i·cal \ mə-ˈthä-di-kəl \

variants: or less commonly methodic play \-dik\

Updated on: 8 Dec 2017

Definition 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

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methodically

play \-di-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

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methodicalness

play \-di-kəl-nəs\ noun

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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 of methodical from the Web

But, because of how the defense has played, the Chargers have had the luxury of being a little more methodical on offense, keeping the ball out of harm’s way with a more conservative game plan.

— dan woike, latimes.com, "Chargers vs. Patriots: How they match up," 29 Oct. 2017
The Boise State football team’s offense has taken on a slower, more methodical identity this season, but that doesn’t mean the Broncos have been devoid of those signature, jump-out-of-your-seat moments.

— rachel roberts, idahostatesman, "Boise State’s Mattison shows more of his ‘arsenal,' including this incredible leap," 22 Oct. 2017
Spagnuolo maintained this profile against Tampa Bay, pressuring right up the middle (a great tactic against a more methodical dropback gunslinger like Jameis Winston) and with defensive backs, who make a blitz faster.

— andy benoit, SI.com, "The Giants’ Problems Aren’t New, the Losses Are," 2 Oct. 2017
Barbecue is a slow, methodical, almost tantric process.

— drew magary, GQ, "I Bought a Smoker and Now I'm a Big Bad Smokeboy," 1 Sep. 2017
Never a voice of hysteria, his entry into this year’s crop of political books is methodical and ends not with despair, but with solutions — some of which are even surprising.

— rich lord, Detroit Free Press, "Why moderates are a vanishing breed in D.C.," 4 Nov. 2017
Aledo has been pretty methodical throughout the District 6-5A, especially with running back Jase McClellan out with a broken wrist.

— kevin lonnquist, star-telegram, "Week 8 football picks: Keller Central is unpredictable as ever," 16 Oct. 2017
One half, the first, was methodical and benign, while the other half was filled with visceral and visual delights.

— lauren warnecke, chicagotribune.com, "Shen Wei Dance Arts radically restrained in Chicago debut," 25 Sep. 2017
Getting sick was a slow and insidious march, and regaining my health has been a slow and methodical process.

— seamus mullen, Bon Appetit, "Food Nearly Killed Me. Then Food Saved My Life.," 6 Feb. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'methodical.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.