caution 1 of 2

as in to warn
to give notice to beforehand especially of danger or risk the doctor cautioned that I should still be careful using my sprained wrist for the next several days

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caution

2 of 2

noun

1
2
as in wonder
something extraordinary or surprising how she manages to drive her car without destroying the neighborhood is a caution

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3
as in warning
something that tells of approaching danger or risk this is just a caution that the following paragraph practically gives away the entire plot of the movie

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4
5
as in precaution
a measure taken to preclude loss or injury the standard caution of donning surgical gloves before performing any kind of dental work

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of caution
Verb
The Associated Press Stylebook cautions against using such terms in articles unless there is a compelling reason. Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 6 July 2025 Other readers pointed out the liability pool owners assume and cautioned that the owners should think twice (at least) before letting friends use it when the owners weren’t home. Eric Thomas, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 July 2025
Noun
Visitors to Lake Powell in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area between Arizona and Utah are advised to exercise caution when swimming and not ingest the water due to potential sewage or potentially harmful algae, according to a National Park Service advisory. Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 2 July 2025 Cars are not allowed to pass each other — and definitely not the pace car — during caution periods. Hannah Hudnall, IndyStar, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for caution
Recent Examples of Synonyms for caution
Verb
  • Collins and Tillis have warned that the Medicaid and other cuts could leave large numbers of people in their state losing their health care coverage.
    Ted Johnson, Deadline, 1 July 2025
  • Meteorologists warn the storm marks the beginning of a dangerous weather pattern along the Eastern Seaboard.
    Doc Louallen, ABC News, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • Lopez also has an ambitious and uninhibited way of speaking that is far removed from the prudence of players from older generations.
    Laia Cervelló Herrero, New York Times, 4 July 2025
  • While this action may convince some that China is a paper tiger, for others, especially Iran’s Arab rivals, it is seen as a sign of prudence.
    Wesley Alexander Hill, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • The combination of mechanics and electronics to extract every nuance from the grooves of a vinyl pressing is a wonder of engineering and enjoying a renaissance in the age of digital music.
    Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
  • These woven wonders are sure to spark a little joy in your accessories closet—with just the right dose of seasonal cheer.
    Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • Beijing’s trade war with Washington has dominated attention, and Chinese officials previously downplayed the myriad long-term risks to growth, making the latest warnings notable.
    semafor.com, semafor.com, 8 July 2025
  • The warning came after the department discovered that an impostor posing as Rubio had attempted to reach out to at least three foreign ministers, a U.S. senator and a governor, according to the July 3 cable, which was first reported by The Washington Post.
    Matthew Lee, Fortune, 8 July 2025
Noun
  • Forecasters predict the worst of a record-setting heat wave may soon be over — but millions still need to take precautions to stay safe from dangerous heat.
    Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 26 June 2025
  • The National Weather Service in Charlotte issued a heat advisory on Tuesday until 8 p.m. Wednesday, urging people to take precautions while outside.
    Emma Moon, Charlotte Observer, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice said authorities are committed to a full review of the emergency response, including how the public was alerted to the storm threat.
    Brit Morse, Fortune, 7 July 2025
  • This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2025
Noun
  • The movie plays the hits: Jesus’s birth in a Bethlehem stable; miracles including walking on water and the feeding of the 5,000; the crucifixion and resurrection.
    Chris DeVille, The Atlantic, 6 July 2025
  • States would be responsible for them, and—miracle of miracles—state and federal agencies actually agreed on how to manage grizzlies after ESA protections end.
    Christine Peterson, Wired News, 5 July 2025
Verb
  • The Consumer Product Safety Commission advises that children do not use fireworks, including sparklers.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 5 July 2025
  • The Context Diogo Jose Teixeira da Silva, who went by Diogo Jota, and his brother André died on Thursday while driving from Spain to England after a doctor advised them not to fly after Jota received minor lung surgery.
    Peter Aitken, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Caution.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/caution. Accessed 16 Jul. 2025.

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