Concept:The antonym of a word is the word that means the opposite. Meticulous means extremely careful and detailed. Its opposite is careless or neglectful.
Explanation:The word "meticulous" describes someone who pays great attention to every detail and is very careful. For example, a meticulous student checks each answer twice.
Now, look at the options. Thorough, precise, and careful all have meanings similar to meticulous. They are synonyms, not antonyms.
Only "negligent" means failing to take proper care, being careless or inattentive. This is the direct opposite of meticulous.
Therefore, the correct antonym is negligent.
Answer:A. Negligent