Definition of carefulnext
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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 This means being careful with things like routines, travel patterns, and even the visibility of family members for on-air talent—especially older parents. Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 13 Feb. 2026 Limiting Saturn enters your 2nd House of Resources and Self-Worth, encouraging careful budgets and sturdy values. Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2026 The analyst sees Mitek’s margins growing based on the company’s scaling of its business alongside its careful cost management. Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 13 Feb. 2026 The brothers are careful to frame Pijama not as the sole solution but as part of a broader movement toward improving access. Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 13 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for careful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for careful
Adjective
  • Be cautious of ice accumulating on power lines or tree branches, which can lead to snapping and falling hazards.
    Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 18 Feb. 2026
  • Most of North and Central Texas shouldbe cautious with burning on Thursday, but the wildfire threat is less severe.
    Julia James, Dallas Morning News, 18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Nestled between Yo’s recollections of childhood and early adulthood are establishing shots and dramatizations that, at first, can be hard to decipher as having been shot in real spaces or in Fitch’s meticulous 1/3rd scale models.
    Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 20 Feb. 2026
  • That likely means that businesses will have to fight tooth and nail for any chance at a refund — even though the government keeps meticulous records of all tariff payments.
    Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • But some experts on gun violence are still wary of endorsing the program.
    Max Saltman, CNN Money, 15 Feb. 2026
  • The stock market has soared in anticipation of lavish public spending, but bond markets remain wary.
    Jeff Kingston, Time, 15 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • For 20-odd years, Adams has been one of Hollywood’s most reliably committed and conscientious performers.
    Guy Lodge, Variety, 16 Feb. 2026
  • The Sun Sentinel Editorial Board recommends that Pembroke Pines voters re-elect two capable and conscientious incumbent commissioners.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The alert system puts in place precautions including around-the-clock maintenance of the roadway and possible closure and detours around the Grapevine.
    Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 16 Feb. 2026
  • Travel through passes and canyons could become dangerous, and be alert for rock slides and mud slides.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 16 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • It’s backed by nearly 7,500 glowing five-star reviews from guac-loving Amazon shoppers who praise the ProKeeper for its effectiveness, size, and easy-to-clean design.
    Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Feb. 2026
  • With the right support and encouragement, Heily has the potential to continue thriving, growing her creativity, and building strong connections with a loving, permanent family.
    MARE Staff, Boston Herald, 15 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Stephanie and Malcolm's relationship petered out relatively quickly, after the diligent doctor realized the hotshot party boy wasn't likely to slow his pace to meet hers.
    Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 17 Feb. 2026
  • More information is always better for the diligent investor.
    Zev Fima, CNBC, 16 Feb. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Careful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/careful. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on careful

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