Definition of circumspect
: careful to consider all circumstances and possible consequences : prudent diplomacy required a circumspect response They are circumspect in all their business dealings.
Read the Latest from M-W
circumspect was our Word of the Day on 11/14/2008. Hear the podcast!
Theme music by Joshua Stamper ©2006 New Jerusalem Music/ASCAP
Examples of circumspect in a Sentence
she has a reputation for being quiet and circumspect in investigating charges of child abuse
Recent Examples of circumspect from the Web
-
Jim Risch and Mike Crapo and Rep. Mike Simpson, Labrador was circumspect in his appraisal and hinted at a major reworking when Congress gets to work on revisions.
-
Later reports tended to be more circumspect about the firm’s importance.
-
After the U.S. blamed a chemical attack on Syrian President Bashar Assad’s forces, Haley was outspoken in questioning Assad’s future while Tillerson and Trump were more circumspect.
-
Eric Giler, CEO of WiTriCity, a startup spun out of MIT’s engineering school, is more circumspect in his claims.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'circumspect'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of circumspect
Middle English, from Medieval French or Latin; Medieval French circonspect, from Latin circumspectus, from past participle of circumspicere to look around, be cautious, from circum- + specere to look — more at spy
First Known Use: 15th century
Synonym Discussion of circumspect
CIRCUMSPECT Defined for English Language Learners
circumspect
playDefinition of circumspect for English Language Learners
-
: thinking carefully about possible risks before doing or saying something
Learn More about circumspect
-
See words that rhyme with circumspect Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for circumspect Spanish Central: Translation of circumspect Nglish: Translation of circumspect for Spanish speakers
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up circumspect? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!