Meticulous vs. Thorough — What's the Difference?

Showing or acting with extreme care and concern for details.

In 17th century England, Thorough was a name given by Thomas Wentworth, 1st Earl of Strafford to a scheme of his to establish absolute monarchy in England. Although "Thorough" is largely attributed to Strafford, its implementation can also be accredited to the Archbishop of Canterbury William Laud.

(Archaic) Excessively careful and precise.

Complete with regard to every detail; not superficial or partial

Characterized by very precise, conscientious attention to details.

Exhaustively complete

(archaic) Timid, fearful, overly cautious.

Painstakingly accurate or careful

Timid; fearful.

Absolute; utter

Taking great care to get every detail correct; working thoroughly and with precision; as, meticulous workmanship.

Variant of through.

Marked by precise accordance with details;

Painstaking and careful not to miss or omit any detail.

Marked by extreme care in treatment of details;

Utter; complete; absolute.

(obsolete) Through.

A furrow between two ridges, to drain off the surface water.

Through.

Passing through; as, thorough lights in a house.

Passing through or to the end; hence, complete; perfect; as, a thorough reformation; thorough work; a thorough translator; a thorough poet.

Thoroughly.

Through.

A furrow between two ridges, to drain off the surface water.

Painstakingly careful and accurate;

Very thorough; exhaustively complete;