cautious

adjective

cau·​tious ˈkȯ-shəs 

: careful about avoiding danger or risk

cautious investors

cautious optimism

cautiously adverb

cautiousness noun

Synonyms of cautious

• careful
• wary
• alert

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

Scientists not involved in the study praised it but also offered some reasons to be cautious. — ABC News, 15 July 2026

Research is mixed on weight loss, promising on circulation and recovery, and cautious about who should avoid the machines altogether. — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 14 July 2026

Amid the outbreak with no clear source as of yet, health officials are recommending that people be cautious about leafy greens, particularly bagged or boxed greens. — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 14 July 2026

During holidays, be extra cautious with seasonal plants like poinsettias, lilies and tulips that are commonly gifted or displayed. — Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

see caution entry 1

First Known Use

1614, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing cautious

• hyper-cautious

Rhymes for cautious

• incautious
• nauseous

Kids Definition

cautious

adjective

cau·​tious ˈkȯ-shəs 

: marked by or given to caution

a cautious reply

cautiously adverb

cautiousness noun