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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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
Castro cautioned that the technology is not yet ready for widespread use. Reem Amro, FOXNews.com, 18 May 2025 Analysts cautioned that a lowering of GDP on account of this trend would not reflect economic weakness. Max Zahn, ABC News, 16 May 2025
Noun
China-Philippines frictions might subside if Washington adopted more caution in building up military forces in the archipelago—a buildup linked to Taiwan conflict scenarios. J. Tedford Tyler, Time, 17 May 2025 While their kids are still young, both plan to proceed with caution and plenty of ground rules. Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 16 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for caution
Recent Examples of Synonyms for caution
Verb
  • Key Takeaways Walmart warns tariffs will raise prices, triggering inflation concerns Markets seek tariff clarity; volatility trends suggest cautious optimism Retail earnings next week may reveal shifting consumer spending habits On Thursday, stocks closed mixed with the S&P 500 up 0.4%.
    JJ Kinahan, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
  • Showrunner Jess Brownell, speaking to The Hollywood Reporter at the U.K. premiere for Part 2 last year in June, had warned fans to expect a wait of up to two years.
    Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 16 May 2025
Noun
  • Left wing-progressives, once skeptical of the status quo, have become stolid guardians of institutions, while right-wing conservatives – once champions of prudence – are tearing down fences.
    Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Known for his humility, gentle spirit, prudence, and warmth, Pope Leo XIV's leadership offers an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to our educational mission.
    Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 May 2025
Noun
  • The parallels with the film inspired both of us to embrace the present with more wonder and gratitude and look to the future not only with a stronger father-daughter bond, but with more hope and adventure about what else is out there.
    Melody Chiu, People.com, 24 May 2025
  • Thornton injects a childlike sense of wonder with literal glimmers of light, magic realism making its way into this stark, severe environment.
    Ella Kemp, IndieWire, 23 May 2025
Noun
  • The widespread nature of these outages is echoed by the Federal Aviation Administration’s own warnings.
    Melanie Hicken, CNN Money, 21 May 2025
  • How to act during strong winds Take shelter: Immediately go inside a sturdy building during a high wind warning or severe thunderstorm warning and move to an interior room or basement.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 21 May 2025
Noun
  • Travelers are advised to exercise normal precautions when traveling in the country.
    Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 23 May 2025
  • Melvin and Verlander are looking at it as a necessary precaution and outwardly have expressed confidence that his stuff will bounce back.
    Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 23 May 2025
Verb
  • The jailbreak wasn't immediately detected, with hours passing before sheriff's officials discovered the escape and alerted New Orleans police.
    Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 May 2025
  • The New Orleans Police Department was alerted immediately after that, Sheriff Susan Hutson said.
    Rafael Romo, CNN Money, 18 May 2025
Noun
  • The heroic game five effort from the Celtics felt like the start of a miracle.
    Tom Rende, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
  • To top that, 2001 Miami would’ve needed to obliterate everything on its schedule, not require a bouncy miracle to beat Boston College.
    Chris Branch, New York Times, 20 May 2025
Verb
  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises residents in areas with excessive heat to wear light clothing, drink lots of water, use their air conditioning and avoid from exerting themselves outside in order to prevent heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
    Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 19 May 2025
  • The release advises anyone with further information to contact the North Little Rock Department Tip Line at (501) 680-8439 or Detective Adam Williams at 501-771-7167.
    Parker Mancino, Arkansas Online, 18 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Caution.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/caution. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on caution

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!