caution

play

noun cau·tion \ ˈkȯ-shən \

Definition of caution

1 :warning, admonishment

Her comments were intended as a caution to us to protect our property.

2 :precaution

a surgeon taking the caution of sterilizing his instruments

3 :prudent forethought to minimize risk

Use caution when operating a chain saw.

4 :one that astonishes or commands attention

some shoes you see … these days are a caution
—Esquire

—

cautionary

play \-shə-ˌner-ē, -ne-rē\ adjective

See caution defined for English-language learners

See caution defined for kids

Examples of caution in a Sentence

You should use caution when operating the electric saw.
He injected a note of caution in his talk.
Her financial adviser urged caution before investing in the project.
The roads are slippery: drive with extreme caution.
Her comments were intended as a caution to us to protect our property.
A note of caution: be sure that the electricity is off before you install the ceiling fan.
She was given a caution by the magistrate.

Recent Examples of caution from the Web

A note of caution: This plant is one of the last perennials to emerge in the spring.

— dennis patton, kansascity, "Hardy hibiscus provides great summer color," 14 July 2017
But the potential for theft, robbery and even homicide is always a threat and, experts say, reason to exercise caution when engaging in business with complete strangers.

— donna vickroy, Daily Southtown, "How online buyers and sellers can stay safe when closing a sale in person," 12 July 2017
Troopers advise motorists to use caution while traveling in the area as authorities clean up and investigate the scene.

— jonece starr dunigan, AL.com, "2 dead in three-vehicle wreck in Pike County," 10 July 2017
Mishaps can happen, even when caution is the watchword.

— jennie key, Cincinnati.com, "Behind the scenes at fireworks show is a hot place to be," 3 July 2017
The driver, 19-year-old Courtney Otto, was cited for not exercising due caution around a bicyclist, ACSO spokesman Patrick Orr said.

— nicole blanchard, idahostatesman, "Police: Driver cited in vehicle vs. cyclist crash that sent man to the hospital," 30 June 2017
The island has become a hot spot for tourists, although officials urge caution in making the trip, citing powerful currents and sharks in the water.

— david grossman, Popular Mechanics, "North Carolina Has a Brand New Island," 28 June 2017
Knowing this prompts them to use their drugs with more caution.

— terry demio, Cincinnati.com, "Fentanyl linked to half of Ky. OD deaths; in NKY, Kenton County sees drop in fatalities," 27 June 2017
Many administration officials believe the U.S. needs to maintain its distance from Russia at such a sensitive time — and interact only with great caution.

— vivian salama, chicagotribune.com, "Trump eager for big meeting with Putin; some advisers wary," 26 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'caution.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of caution

Latin caution-, cautio precaution, from cavēre to be on one's guard — more at hear

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1566

See Words from the same year

caution Synonyms

caution

verb

Definition of caution

cautioned; cautioning play \ˈkȯ-sh(ə-)niŋ\

transitive verb

:to advise caution to :warn

She cautioned him not to act rashly.

See caution defined for English-language learners

Examples of caution in a Sentence

Officials are cautioning that the war may continue for years.
“Don't decide too quickly,” she cautioned.
He was cautioned for speeding.

Recent Examples of caution from the Web

The wise Emperor of Rome, Marcus Aurelius, once cautioned, ‘

— jason hancock, kansascity, "Republican senator won’t vote to expel Democrat over Trump assassination post," 29 Aug. 2017
Schatz cautioned that scientific excellence doesn’t equal clinical success.

— bradley j. fikes, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Young cardiac cells rejuvenate heart in animal study," 29 Aug. 2017
But experts caution that this approach still needs more scrutiny and warn schools and parents against being overly reliant on computers.

— Washington Post, "Can computers enhance the work of teachers? The debate is on," 28 Aug. 2017
But experts caution that this approach still needs more scrutiny and warn schools and parents against being overly reliant on computers.

— maria danilova, The Seattle Times, "Learning software in classrooms earns praise, causes debate," 28 Aug. 2017
Experts caution that banning phones completely for too long may harm social growth, as phones have become a way for adolescents to interact with their peers — an important part of development.

— kate thayer, chicagotribune.com, "Cellphone rites: 'Wait Until 8th' pledge asks parents to buck smartphone trend for kids," 24 Aug. 2017
Still, experts cautioned that the ban may not be effective.

— jon emont, New York Times, "As Indonesia Targets Islamist Hard-Liners, Even Rights Groups Object," 19 July 2017
Consumer Watchdog cautions that uncertainty could cause insurance rates to spike, rather than decrease as many transportation experts expect once autonomous vehicles are commonplace.

— pete bigelow, Car and Driver, "“Cavalier Attitude” toward Safety Won’t Help Push for Self-Driving, Report Warns," 21 June 2017
In a May 2016 email, also sent to chief financial officer Jason Tomlinson, Ruhl again cautioned that the foundation had exceeded its spending policy and that spending was unsustainable.

— andrew wolfson, The Courier-Journal, "Bright spot in audit: One University of Louisville official asked if she was being paid too much," 20 June 2017

First Known Use of caution

1683

caution Synonyms

Synonyms

advise, alert, warn, forewarn, wake

Related Words

augur, forecast, foretell, harbinger, predict, presage, prognosticate, prophesy; apprise, inform, notify, tip (off); admonish; bode, forebode (also forbode), foreshadow, foretoken, portend

Near Antonyms

imperil, risk

CAUTION Defined for English Language Learners

caution

play

noun

Definition of caution for English Language Learners

: care taken to avoid danger or risk : a careful attitude or way of behaving
: a warning telling someone to be careful
law : a spoken official warning given to someone who has done something illegal but has not committed a serious crime

caution

verb

Definition of caution for English Language Learners

: to warn or tell (someone) about a possible danger, problem, etc.
law : to give a caution to (someone)

CAUTION Defined for Kids

caution

play

noun cau·tion \ ˈkȯ-shən \

Definition of caution for Students

1 :care taken to avoid trouble or danger :precaution

They approached the dog with caution.

2 :warning

a word of caution

caution

verb

Definition of caution for Students

cautioned; cautioning

:to warn about danger

Learn More about caution

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for caution Spanish Central: Translation of caution Nglish: Translation of caution for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of caution for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up caution? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

caution

Definition of caution

cautionary

Explore M-W

Examples of caution in a Sentence

Recent Examples of caution from the Web

Origin and Etymology of caution

caution Synonyms

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Words

Near Antonyms

caution

Definition of caution

Examples of caution in a Sentence

Recent Examples of caution from the Web

First Known Use of caution

caution Synonyms

Synonyms

Related Words

Near Antonyms

Phrases Related to CAUTION

Related Phrases

CAUTION Defined for English Language Learners

caution

Definition of caution for English Language Learners

caution

Definition of caution for English Language Learners

CAUTION Defined for Kids

caution

Definition of caution for Students

caution

Definition of caution for Students

Learn More about caution

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

Breathing Life Into 'Inspire'

Trending: Kim Jong Un: Trump a 'Dotard'

These Are Fighting Words

Merriam-Webster's New Words Quiz—Fall 2017 Edition!

Words of the Year: 1066