cautious

adjective

cau·​tious ˈkȯ-shəs How to pronounce cautious (audio)
: careful about avoiding danger or risk
cautious investors
cautious optimism
cautiously adverb
cautiousness noun
Choose the Right Synonym for cautious

cautious, circumspect, wary, chary 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

circumspect suggests less fear and stresses the surveying of all possible consequences before acting or deciding.

circumspect in his business dealings

wary emphasizes suspiciousness and alertness in watching for danger and cunning in escaping it.

keeps a wary eye on the competition

chary implies a cautious reluctance to give, act, or speak freely.

chary of signing papers without having read them first

Examples of cautious in a Sentence

Any cautious tourist will guard her passport. You cannot be overly cautious when you're driving in snow. He answered the question with a cautious reply.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The prospect of higher inflation even as present data looks mild has led to a staredown between the Fed, which has advocated for a cautious approach on cutting interest rates in case tariffs do worsen inflation, and Trump, who has aggressively called for big cuts. Derek Saul, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025 That’s a problem for investors, who regard Powell as a serious, cautious economist who operates independently of Trump’s political desires. Jim Edwards, Fortune, 26 June 2025 The project was hailed as a rare symbol of inter-Korean engagement during a period of cautious rapprochement. Mike Valerio, CNN Money, 26 June 2025 However, be cautious, as the sand and bits of material can fly out with considerable force. Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for cautious

Word History

Etymology

see caution entry 1

First Known Use

1614, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cautious was in 1614

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cautious.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cautious. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

cautious

adjective
cau·​tious ˈkȯ-shəs How to pronounce cautious (audio)
: marked by or given to caution
a cautious reply
cautiously adverb
cautiousness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on cautious

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