cautious

adjective

ˈkȯ-shəs How to pronounce cautious (audio)
Definition of cautiousnext
as in careful
having or showing a close attentiveness to avoiding danger or trouble a cautious approach to everyday living

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective cautious contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of cautious are chary, circumspect, and wary. While all these words mean "prudently watchful and discreet in the face of danger or risk," cautious implies the exercise of forethought usually prompted by fear of danger.

a cautious driver

When is it sensible to use chary instead of cautious?

The synonyms chary and cautious are sometimes interchangeable, but chary implies a cautious reluctance to give, act, or speak freely.

chary of signing papers without having read them first

When can circumspect be used instead of cautious?

While the synonyms circumspect and cautious are close in meaning, circumspect suggests less fear and stresses the surveying of all possible consequences before acting or deciding.

circumspect in his business dealings

Where would wary be a reasonable alternative to cautious?

Although the words wary and cautious have much in common, wary emphasizes suspiciousness and alertness in watching for danger and cunning in escaping it.

keeps a wary eye on the competition

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 cautious Pervasive unemployment, new tariffs and cautious consumers still add up to a precarious environment. —Megan Poinski, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025 But Judge Hammock remained cautious, explaining the legal hurdles ahead. —Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 9 Sep. 2025 Amid recession fears, many companies are being particularly cautious about hiring, Paulson says. —Sophie Caldwell, CNBC, 9 Sep. 2025 Tamu, on the other hand, is more cautious and reserved and likes to stay close to Saba. —Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cautious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cautious
  1. careful
  2. wary
  3. alert
Adjective
  • But Eliasen is careful not to let scope creep derail initial implementations.
    — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Be careful when handling debris that may have blown into your yard.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Definition of careful
Adjective
  • Other than in the Second Circuit, the federal courts of appeals generally have interpreted the Confrontation Clause to require face-to-face cross examination, and counsel should be wary of giving up that important right.
    — Robert Anello, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • For decades, educators have been wary of the decline in critical thinking and its impact on undermining the very purpose of education.
    — Sixteen Ramos, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025
Definition of wary
Adjective
  • Aim to exercise outdoors during daylight hours, if possible, and stay alert to your surroundings for safety.
    — Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 8 Sep. 2025
  • That said, since Steal a Brainrot lives on a platform that may pose dangers to kids, parents should stay alert.
    — Annabelle Canela, Parents, 5 Sep. 2025
Definition of alert

Browse Nearby Words

cautions
cautious
cautiously
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cautious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cautious. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.

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