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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective conscientious differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of conscientious are honest, honorable, just, scrupulous, and upright. While all these words mean "having or showing a strict regard for what is morally right," conscientious and scrupulous imply an active moral sense governing all one's actions and painstaking efforts to follow one's conscience.

conscientious in the completion of her assignments
scrupulous in carrying out the terms of the will

When can honest be used instead of conscientious?

Although the words honest and conscientious have much in common, honest stresses adherence to such virtues as truthfulness, candor, or fairness.

known for being honest in business dealings

When could honorable be used to replace conscientious?

The synonyms honorable and conscientious are sometimes interchangeable, but honorable suggests a firm holding to codes of right behavior and the guidance of a high sense of honor and duty.

a difficult but honorable decision

Where would just be a reasonable alternative to conscientious?

The words just and conscientious can be used in similar contexts, but just stresses conscious choice and regular practice of what is right or equitable.

workers given just compensation

When is upright a more appropriate choice than conscientious?

In some situations, the words upright and conscientious are roughly equivalent. However, upright implies a strict adherence to moral principles.

a stern and upright minister

Examples Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of conscientious The same goes for climate-conscious wine producers: Environmentally responsible practices are critically important, but if a producer doesn't make enough money to survive, then those ecologically conscientious efforts will vanish along with the business itself. Brian Freedman, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024 This often necessitates conscientious efforts and systemic changes in the company culture. Mo Hamzian, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2024 And few bands are as conscientious about pairing up with and promoting younger artists from all over the world. Alex Morris, Rolling Stone, 19 Dec. 2024 The team’s conscientious handling of Curry has worked. Danny Emerman, The Mercury News, 2 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for conscientious 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conscientious
Adjective
  • Booker previously served in the United States Army but was removed from the military with a less than honorable discharge after going AWOL in 2017, Fox 2 Detroit reported, citing court documents.
    Michael Dorgan, Fox News, 14 Jan. 2025
  • Captain Dellinger of the US Army is an honorable man who only seeks the truth, and whose writing is filled with hope for a better future.
    Erik Kain, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • From general manager Kyle Davidson on down, the Blackhawks are always careful not to criticize Jones.
    Scott Powers, The Athletic, 14 Jan. 2025
  • But be careful when scrolling, as the answers are at the end of the article.
    John Mac Ghlionn, Newsweek, 14 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • By launching an adaptive range, Primark positions itself as a leader in ethical, forward-thinking retail.
    Kate Hardcastle, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
  • One giant ethical concern centers on Trump’s majority ownership of the tokens: 80% of the coin’s supply is held by Trump Organization affiliates CIC Digital and Fight Fight Fight LLC — a concentration that appears designed to personally enrich the president.
    Allison Morrow, CNN, 21 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • His meticulous documentation highlights the importance of clear communication in the design process, ensuring that concepts can be effectively shared and built upon by others.
    Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
  • In addition to meticulous maintenance of their backyard rink, fierce support of the LGBTQ+ community is among the passions that drives Jon and Jessica Merrill.
    Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 10 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Nietzsche’s treatise criticizes philosophers who rest their moral framework on the assumption that good and evil are opposites.
    Bethy Squires, Vulture, 13 Jan. 2025
  • In contrast to moral philosophers, who search for abstract principles of right and wrong, moral psychologists are interested in the empirical matter of people’s perceptions.
    Elizabeth Kolbert, The New Yorker, 13 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Every child deserves the opportunity to grow up in a stable and loving home, and every parent deserves the chance to provide that environment without the shadow of systemic bias looming over them.
    Jumara Perry, Baltimore Sun, 20 Jan. 2025
  • In a short time, my relationship with my mom has gotten more loving and more fun.
    Sara Sidner, CNN, 19 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Punching probably is a bit overrated, to be honest.
    Michael Cox, The Athletic, 18 Jan. 2025
  • The bottom line is that deciding whether to start a new business requires an honest assessment of your passion, dedication, and readiness for the journey ahead.
    Melissa Houston, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Herbert is way too talented, too good an athlete, too intelligent, too diligent and too well-respected by his colleagues not to succeed.
    Mirjam Swanson, Orange County Register, 15 Jan. 2025
  • Be diligent about knowing the state of your employees.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025

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Thesaurus Entries Near conscientious

Cite this Entry

“Conscientious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conscientious. Accessed 27 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on conscientious

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