care

1 strict attentiveness to what one is doing <reading the report with more care the second time, she detected several errors> Synonyms carefulness, closeness, conscientiousness, heed, heedfulness, meticulosity, meticulousness, pains, scrupulousness Related Words advertence, advertency, attention, concentration, focus, observance, observation; alertness, mindfulness, vigilance, watchfulness; dutifulness, irreproachability, irreproachableness, punctiliousness, responsibility; bother, effort, painstaking, trouble; exactness, particularity, precision Near Antonyms inadvertence, inadvertency, inattention, inobservance Antonyms heedlessness, inattentiveness, negligence

2 attention accompanied by protectiveness and responsibility <that's an extremely valuable violin, so handle it with care> Synonyms carefulness, lovingness, solicitousness, solicitude Related Words concern, considerateness, consideration, kindness, thoughtfulness; babying, coddling, pampering Near Antonyms inconsiderateness, inconsideration, thoughtlessness, unconcern, unkindness Antonyms carelessness

3 a close attentiveness to avoiding danger <take care while crossing the street> Synonyms alertness, caution, carefulness, cautiousness, chariness, circumspection, gingerliness, guardedness, heedfulness, prudence, warinessRelated Words attentiveness, observance, vigilance, watchfulness; foresight, foresightedness, providence; calculation, canniness, deliberateness, deliberation, shrewdnessNear Antonyms abruptness, hastiness, impetuousness, precipitousness, rashness, suddenness; inconsiderateness, inconsideration, thoughtlessnessAntonyms brashness, carelessness, heedlessness, incaution, incautiousness, recklessness, unwariness

4 an uneasy state of mind usually over the possibility of an anticipated misfortune or trouble <on vacation, without a care in the world> Synonyms agita, agitation, anxiousness, apprehension, apprehensiveness, anxiety, concern, concernment, disquiet, disquietude, fear, nervosity, nervousness, perturbation, solicitude, sweat, unease, uneasiness, worryRelated Words strain, stress, tension; alarm (also alarum), anguish, consternation, desperateness, desperation, discomfort, discomposure, dismay, distraction, distress, disturbance, edginess, franticness, hand-wringing, jitters, jumpiness, panic, tremor; angst, fearfulness, torment, upset, vexation; cold feet, doubt, dread, foreboding, incertitude, misgiving, presentiment, suspense, uncertainty; compunction, qualm, scrupleNear Antonyms calm, calmness, content, contentment, ease, easiness, peace, peacefulness, placidity, placidness, quiet, quietude, sereneness, serenity, tranquillity (or tranquility), tranquilness; comfort, consolation, relief, solaceAntonyms unconcern

5 responsibility for the safety and well-being of someone or something <while you're under my care, you'll do as you're told> Synonyms custody, custodianship, guardianship, keeping, safekeeping, trust, wardRelated Words control, governorship, hand(s), management, superintendence, supervision

6 the duty or function of watching or guarding for the sake of proper direction or control <you'll have care of the project from its beginning to its completion> Synonyms supervision, charge, guidance, headship, oversight, regulation, stewardship, superintendence, superintendency, surveillanceRelated Words monitoring, observance, observation, observing, policing; administration, control, direction, generalship, hand(s), management, running; leadership, piloting, shepherding, steering; government, reign, rule; aegis (also egis), auspices, guardianship, protection, trusteeship, tutelage

7 the act or activity of looking after and making decisions about something <she stepped up and took over the care of the bank after her father retired> Synonyms administration, conduct, charge, control, direction, governance, government, guidance, handling, intendance, management, operation, oversight, presidency, regulation, running, stewardship, superintendence, superintendency, supervisionRelated Words generalship, leadership, rulership; agency; aegis (also egis), custody, guardianship, keeping, lap, protection, safekeeping, trust, tutelage, ward; engineering, logistics, machination, manipulation; coadministration, codirection, comanagement