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 But some say Broccoli was too cautious and exerted outsize control — to the detriment of Bond. Tatiana Siegel, Variety, 26 Feb. 2025 Be cautious of pressure tactics or requests for immediate action: Scammers often create a sense of urgency to prevent you from thinking clearly or verifying their claims. 7. Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 22 Feb. 2025 Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee argues recent experience should keep policymakers cautious about how easily the economy will adjust to any tariff shock. Howard Schneider, USA TODAY, 21 Feb. 2025 However, few Republicans view the economy as excellent or good, marking a cautious optimism amidst ongoing economic concerns. Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 13 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cautious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cautious
Adjective
  • In comments at the Morgan Stanley media conference, the Fox CEO was again extremely careful to stress that the goal is not to cannibalize linear television and Fox will not advertise it on linear television but is meant purely to capture those who cut the cord or have never subscribed to cable.
    Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 3 Mar. 2025
  • There’s potential for clarity in resolving any lingering tension, but also be careful not to speak too rashly.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 3 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Some critics on the left were wary of the administration’s employment of market logics and its tendency to treat citizens as consumers.
    Jacob Bruggeman & Casey Eilbert / Made by History, TIME, 3 Mar. 2025
  • The public is on balance wary of Musk and DOGE's access to government agency data records.
    Anthony Salvanto, CBS News, 2 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • In the era of Tame Impala and Arcade Fire, these three tracks sound eerily prescient – more alert and vital than your average 53 year-old archaeological artifact.
    Ernesto Lechner, Rolling Stone, 6 Mar. 2025
  • Pre-bedtime activities should not be vigorous or engaging enough to make the body and mind more alert.
    Amy Kwan, Verywell Health, 5 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Cautious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cautious. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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