circumspect

1 of 2

adjective

cir·​cum·​spect ˈsər-kəm-ˌspekt 

: careful to consider all circumstances and possible consequences : prudent

diplomacy required a circumspect response

They are circumspect in all their business dealings.

circumspection

ˌsər-kəm-ˈspek-shən 

noun

circumspectly

ˈsər-kəm-ˌspek(t)-lē 

adverb

circumspection

2 of 2

noun

cir·​cum·​spec·​tion ˌsər-kəm-ˈspek-shən 

plural -s

: the quality or state of being circumspect

I was followed or watched by one or other of the Indians, so that great circumspection was needed

—W. H. Hudson †1922

Did you know?

Circumspect may not be the most common of words, but its Latin forebears have made quite a mark on our language. That's because circumspect combines two major players in the Latin branch of the English language's pedigree: circum-, meaning "around," and specere, meaning "to look." Just look around, and you'll find that English is brimming with descendants of these Latin gems. Open your paper dictionary to circumspect and behold with your own eyes the thirty circum- entries that surround it, such as circumference, circumscribe, and circumnavigate. Then flip on over to spectacular for a little peek at the many words for which English has specere to thank, including spectacle, spectrum, and spectator. Latin lovers: we see you!

Synonyms of circumspect

Adjective

• cautious
• careful
• wary

Choose the Right Synonym for circumspect

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 circumspect in a Sentence

Adjective

she has a reputation for being quiet and circumspect in investigating charges of child abuse

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The mayor was circumspect about just how long the new water plant might be around. — Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 21 June 2026

But Warsh has frequently cited as a model former chair Alan Greenspan, whose circumspect comments often kept investors guessing. — Christopher Rugaber, Fortune, 20 June 2026

During the press conference announcing the FOMC's decision, Warsh highlighted what economists expect to be a major shift in the Fed's communication practices, including more circumspect policy statements and less forward guidance. — Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 17 June 2026

So, verification is the only stage in which the proper protocol is to be circumspect, rather than go straight to the newspapers. — Keith Cooper, Space.com, 9 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, from Middle French or Latin; Middle French circonspect, from Latin circumspectus, from past participle of circumspicere to look around, be cautious, from circum- + specere to look — more at spy

Noun

Middle English circumspeccioun, from Middle French or Latin; Middle French circonspection, from Latin circumspection-, circumspectio, from circumspectus + -ion-, -io -ion

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for circumspect

• architect
• deselect
• dialect
• disconnect
• disinfect
• disrespect
• incorrect
• indirect
• intellect
• interject
• intersect
• pluperfect

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Kids Definition

circumspect

adjective

cir·​cum·​spect ˈsər-kəm-ˌspekt 

: careful to consider everything that might happen

circumspection

ˌsər-kəm-ˈspek-shən 

noun

circumspectly adverb