1
as in cautious
having or showing a close attentiveness to avoiding danger or trouble
careful drivers slow down on slick or icy roadways
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in meticulous
taking, showing, or involving great care and effort
that furniture maker was known to be a most careful worker, so his output was small
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example 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 careful
After decades of careful searching, however, no imminent threats to our planet have been found.
—
Elizabeth Howell, Space.com, 24 Oct. 2025
In conclusion, my careful gameplay doesn’t personally lend itself to reversing transfers, even when planned, but there is occasionally a time and a place for it.
—Holly Shand, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
Her twirls and spins are more careful, as befits a septuagenarian, and each was cheered enthusiastically by a crowd urging her on.
—Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 23 Oct. 2025
Be careful not to place rosemary near doors or vents where drafts can affect the plant.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 22 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for careful
Elizabeth Howell, Space.com, 24 Oct. 2025
In conclusion, my careful gameplay doesn’t personally lend itself to reversing transfers, even when planned, but there is occasionally a time and a place for it.
—Holly Shand, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
Her twirls and spins are more careful, as befits a septuagenarian, and each was cheered enthusiastically by a crowd urging her on.
—Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 23 Oct. 2025
Be careful not to place rosemary near doors or vents where drafts can affect the plant.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 22 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for careful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for careful
Adjective
-
Many chief financial officers are investing in AI while still taking a measured approach—one that may seem overly cautious from the perspective of chief information and technology officers.—
Sheryl Estrada,
Fortune,
21 Oct. 2025
-
Snow showers throughout the week; travelers advised to remain cautious due to potential slick conditions.—
Joe Edwards,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
The exhibition space is in optical white, with neon lighting that highlights the details and embroidery of each piece, showcasing the designers’ meticulous craftsmanship.—
Andrea Onate,
Footwear News,
24 Oct. 2025
-
But translating all of that culinary talent for this collaboration required a meticulous process.—
Rachel Chang,
AFAR Media,
24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
His playing has now come to be an omen of danger, so visitors who hear drums playing should be wary.—
Sophie Friedman,
AFAR Media,
22 Oct. 2025
-
The new real estate series sees the Scott twins help wary buyers grapple with commitment issues to possibly make the biggest purchase of their lives.—
Etan Vlessing,
HollywoodReporter,
22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Bindi’s only six years older, but is very conscientious and a real caregiver.—
Rachel Chang,
Travel + Leisure,
19 Oct. 2025
-
There are unanswered overtures from the choir’s pianist Horner (Robert Emms), a soft, vulnerable young man whose conscientious-objector status renders him a fellow outsider.—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
19 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Ever alert to danger and vulnerability, Birdie and her shy, anxious friend Moses (Sky Yang) quietly sneak off to take part in protests against the regime.—
Sheri Linden,
HollywoodReporter,
27 Oct. 2025
-
After weeks of erratic readings, Lewis reverted to the older G6 model and raised $25,000 on TikTok (@typeonederfulwells) to purchase a diabetes-alert service dog.—
Amanda Castro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
No one ever came forward, and a local family adopted the sisters together, naming them Tina and Melissa and giving them a loving home.—
Amanda Lee Myers,
USA Today,
21 Oct. 2025
-
But there are things girls can do, too—often with encouragement from their parents, mental health professionals, or other loving adults in their life.—
Wendy Wisner,
Parents,
21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
In normal times, the agency acts like a loving but diligent parent, dispensing money at regular intervals to insure the kids don’t spend it all at once.—
Andy Kroll,
New Yorker,
17 Oct. 2025
-
In recent years, officials have been far more diligent about timekeeping, leading to a rise in the volume of stoppage time played.—
Conor O'Neill,
New York Times,
17 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Careful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/careful. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share