What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
exacting
Example
The chef's exacting standards for his kitchen staff made it a challenging workplace. [exacting: adjective]
Example
She was an exacting teacher who expected nothing but the best from her students. [exacting: adjective]
Example
The mountain climb was an exacting challenge that required careful planning and preparation. [exacting: adjective]
meticulous
Example
The artist was meticulous in his brushstrokes, creating a masterpiece with every stroke. [meticulous: adjective]
Example
She was a meticulous editor who never missed a typo or grammatical error. [meticulous: adjective]
Example
The surgeon's meticulous attention to detail saved the patient's life. [meticulous: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Meticulous is more commonly used than exacting in everyday language. Meticulous is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while exacting is less common and tends to be used in specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between exacting and meticulous?
Both exacting and meticulous are formal words that are appropriate for use in professional or academic contexts. However, meticulous is more commonly used in formal writing, while exacting is more commonly used in spoken language or informal writing.
