caution

caution

noun

Definition of CAUTION

1

a close attentiveness to avoiding danger <the extreme caution with which the zookeeper handled the snake>

Synonyms alertness, care, carefulness, cautiousness, chariness, circumspection, gingerliness, guardedness, heedfulness, prudence, wariness

Related Words attentiveness, observance, vigilance, watchfulness; foresight, foresightedness, providence; calculation, canniness, deliberateness, deliberation, shrewdness

Near Antonyms abruptness, hastiness, impetuousness, precipitousness, rashness, suddenness; inconsiderateness, inconsideration, thoughtlessness

Antonyms brashness, carelessness, heedlessness, incaution, incautiousness, recklessness, unwariness

2

something extraordinary or surprising <how she manages to drive her car without destroying the neighborhood is a caution>

Synonyms caution, flash, marvel, miracle, phenomenon, portent, prodigy, sensation, splendor

Related Words curiosity, sight, spectacle; beauty, corker, crackerjack (also crackajack), dandy, jim-dandy, knockout; apparition, appearance

3

something that tells of approaching danger or risk <this is just a caution that the following paragraph practically gives away the entire plot of the movie>

Synonyms caution, red flag, red light, tip-off, tocsin, wake-up call

Related Words omen, portent, premonition, presage; notice, notification; buoy, indicator, knell, sign, signal; foretaste, foretoken; announcement, declaration

Near Antonyms all clear

4

the act or an instance of telling beforehand of danger or risk <we heeded the police officer's caution about the road ahead>

Synonyms admonishment, admonition, alarm (also alarum), alert, caution, forewarning, heads-up, notice

Related Words auguring, augury, forecasting, foretelling, predicting, prediction, premonition, presaging, prognosticating, prophecy (also prophesy), prophesying; apprising, informing, notification, notifying, tip-off; advice, counsel, guidance, recommendation, suggestion, tip; announcement, declaration

5

a measure taken to preclude loss or injury <the standard caution of donning surgical gloves before performing any kind of dental work>

Synonyms caution, fail-safe, palladium, preventive, safeguard

Related Words armor, cover, guard, protection, screen, shield, wall, ward