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Synonym Chooser

How is the word careful different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of careful are meticulous, punctilious, and scrupulous. While all these words mean "showing close attention to detail," careful implies attentiveness and cautiousness in avoiding mistakes.

a careful worker

When can meticulous be used instead of careful?

Although the words meticulous and careful have much in common, meticulous may imply either commendable extreme carefulness or a hampering finicky caution over small points.

meticulous scholarship

When could punctilious be used to replace careful?

The words punctilious and careful are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, punctilious implies minute, even excessive attention to fine points.

punctilious observance of ritual

In what contexts can scrupulous take the place of careful?

While in some cases nearly identical to careful, scrupulous applies to what is proper or fitting or ethical.

scrupulous honesty

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 careful The writers mold a peculiar premise in their screenplay by avoiding another dime-a-dozen found footage spectacle, instead turning a very careful eye toward the real-life atrocities committed by the church — plus some genuine scares. Michael Lee Simpson, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Oct. 2025 Gradually, a palpable discomfort in their relationship comes into focus, a troubling rift that the duo is careful to dance around. Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 29 Oct. 2025 By blending creator control with AI upscaling, YouTube appears to be walking a careful line between innovation and user trust. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 29 Oct. 2025 Be careful when handling debris that may have blown into your yard. Kansas City Star Weather Bot, Kansas City Star, 28 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for careful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for careful
Adjective
  • To be sure, Wall Street overall is bullish on stocks, with many of the big firms ditching their cautious tones and urging investors not to bet against the market.
    Sarah Min, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Today, she is classified as having No Evidence of Disease (NED), meaning all detectable signs and symptoms of cancer are gone, a hopeful yet cautious place.
    Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The exhibition space is in optical white, with neon lighting that highlights the details and embroidery of each piece, showcasing the designers’ meticulous craftsmanship.
    Andrea Onate, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2025
  • But translating all of that culinary talent for this collaboration required a meticulous process.
    Rachel Chang, AFAR Media, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • As a result, many civil servants are wary of serving baijiu at government functions; others are skirting the rule by disguising the clear liquor as water.
    Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 29 Oct. 2025
  • Israel is preparing for an election year during which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will be wary of resuming a total war.
    Oren Liebermann, CNN Money, 29 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Bindi’s only six years older, but is very conscientious and a real caregiver.
    Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 19 Oct. 2025
  • There are unanswered overtures from the choir’s pianist Horner (Robert Emms), a soft, vulnerable young man whose conscientious-objector status renders him a fellow outsider.
    Guy Lodge, Variety, 19 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Ever alert to danger and vulnerability, Birdie and her shy, anxious friend Moses (Sky Yang) quietly sneak off to take part in protests against the regime.
    Sheri Linden, HollywoodReporter, 27 Oct. 2025
  • After weeks of erratic readings, Lewis reverted to the older G6 model and raised $25,000 on TikTok (@typeonederfulwells) to purchase a diabetes-alert service dog.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • And Wasmer’s family was known in the small town as kind and loving.
    Laura Bauer, Kansas City Star, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Amidst their weirdness is a loving and loyal family completely comfortable in the dark world that is perfectly natural to them.
    Rick Mauch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • For those who are still in therapy, being diligent and consistent with your treatment plan is extremely important for reducing long-term risk.
    Marnie Goodfriend, Flow Space, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Meaning, his sons balance a hearty rotation of sports and academics, but the Farrers are also diligent about working in time for volunteer projects, too.
    Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 26 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Careful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/careful. Accessed 2 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on careful

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