1
as in cautious
having or showing a close attentiveness to avoiding danger or trouble
careful drivers slow down on slick or icy roadways
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in meticulous
taking, showing, or involving great care and effort
that furniture maker was known to be a most careful worker, so his output was small
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of careful
To start, fill the bottom chamber, or a boiler, with room temperature water—careful not to overflow above the valve, which releases pressure.
—
Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 24 Jan. 2026
The Postal Service™ curtails delivery only after careful consideration, and only as a last resort.
—Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 24 Jan. 2026
Just be careful of looking for tax tips on social media websites like TikTok and Reddit.
—Medora Lee, USA Today, 24 Jan. 2026
In a recent conversation with their son, his parents, who live in Wisconsin, told him to be careful when protesting.
—Michael Biesecker, Los Angeles Times, 24 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for careful
Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 24 Jan. 2026
The Postal Service™ curtails delivery only after careful consideration, and only as a last resort.
—Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 24 Jan. 2026
Just be careful of looking for tax tips on social media websites like TikTok and Reddit.
—Medora Lee, USA Today, 24 Jan. 2026
In a recent conversation with their son, his parents, who live in Wisconsin, told him to be careful when protesting.
—Michael Biesecker, Los Angeles Times, 24 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for careful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for careful
Adjective
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The anticipated move would end a string of three consecutive quarter-point rate cuts, aligning with a cautious approach outlined by Powell last month, before reports of the investigation into his conduct.—
Max Zahn,
ABC News,
28 Jan. 2026
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Still, more cautious analysts have flagged weaker activity in China.—
Bloomberg News,
Bloomberg,
28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Lehane taps into the paranoia of the 1950s with aplomb, with meticulous research into the McCarthy era.—
Oline H. Cogdill,
Sun Sentinel,
22 Jan. 2026
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Their goal is to restore the property — which was designed with meticulous detail — to a clean and stable condition suitable for future redevelopment and community use, according to SaJade Miller, President of Livingston Community Development Foundation.—
Kamal Morgan,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
21 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Hamilton, wary of France’s descent into chaos and its aggressive wars, contended that treaties are contracts with specific regimes, not eternal bonds irrespective of change.—
Daniel Ross Goodman,
The Washington Examiner,
9 Jan. 2026
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As measles outbreaks flared up across the US last year, causing a record number of cases, Scott Thorpe kept a wary eye on Spartanburg County, South Carolina.—
Deidre McPhillips,
CNN Money,
8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Many states are new enacting or widening already broad religious and conscientious exemptions.—
Richard Hughes IV,
STAT,
12 Jan. 2026
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Also, remain mindful and conscientious of how our actions affect those beyond ourselves.—
Madison Dapcevich,
Outside,
9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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While investors remain alert for any signs that the bubble is about to burst, most analysts continue to see meaningful adoption.—
Karl Freund,
Forbes.com,
26 Jan. 2026
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The child, who was alert and conscious, was taken to Norton Children’s Hospital, Sears said.—
Caroline Neal,
Louisville Courier Journal,
23 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Schlossberg will be remembered as a passionate environmental journalist, curious author, and loving mother, wife, daughter, and friend.—
Christina Perrier,
InStyle,
5 Jan. 2026
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Her son Sebastian announced her death on her Instagram account, penning a loving tribute to the socialite and jewelry designer.—
Brendan Le,
PEOPLE,
5 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Learning how to study a football scouting report or work through a practice script can make a basketball player all the more diligent.—
Haley Sawyer,
Oc Register,
24 Jan. 2026
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Darnold has to be diligent in seeing the Rams’ coverage rotations and making good decisions.—
Ted Nguyen,
New York Times,
22 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Careful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/careful. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.
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