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
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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
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A note of caution: This plant is one of the last perennials to emerge in the spring.
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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.
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Troopers advise motorists to use caution while traveling in the area as authorities clean up and investigate the scene.
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Mishaps can happen, even when caution is the watchword.
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The driver, 19-year-old Courtney Otto, was cited for not exercising due caution around a bicyclist, ACSO spokesman Patrick Orr said.
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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.
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Knowing this prompts them to use their drugs with more caution.
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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.
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
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
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Consumer Watchdog cautions that uncertainty could cause insurance rates to spike, rather than decrease as many transportation experts expect once autonomous vehicles are commonplace.
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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.
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With the money came a slew of high-powered Democratic consultants, who, as such people tend to do, cautioned Ossoff to hew to the political center—
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Regardless, the hurricane center cautioned those in the Windward Islands and northern South America to keep an eye on it.
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The HHS report cautioned that averages don’t tell the whole story.
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Reality Steve cautioned people from leaping to conclusions.
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Many experts caution that predicting autism risk is not as tidy an endeavor as research like Van de Water’s might lead the public to believe.
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The state, in its monthly tax revenue reports, cautions that monthly collections could include late filings and those submitted for corrections from previous months.
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.
First Known Use of caution
1683
CAUTION Defined for English Language Learners
caution
playDefinition of caution for English Language Learners
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: care taken to avoid danger or risk : a careful attitude or way of behaving
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: a warning telling someone to be careful
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law : a spoken official warning given to someone who has done something illegal but has not committed a serious crime
caution
Definition of caution for English Language Learners
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: to warn or tell (someone) about a possible danger, problem, etc.
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law : to give a caution to (someone)
CAUTION Defined for Kids
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
Definition of caution for Students
cautioned
;cautioning
: to warn about danger
Learn More about caution
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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
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