caution 1 of 2

Definition of cautionnext
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
There are estimates about the rarity of different lobster colors, though Frederich has also cautioned that such figures are approximations. ABC News, 27 Apr. 2026 The outlet also cautions against harsh methods. Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 27 Apr. 2026
Noun
Generally speaking, that’s the sort of creative process that tends to reward caution over reinvention. Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 4 May 2026 Exercise heightened caution during this period. Southern California Weather Report, Daily News, 4 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for caution
Recent Examples of Synonyms for caution
Verb
  • Andrillon warned against trying to harness the sleeping mind in the service of the waking world.
    Shayla Love, New Yorker, 1 May 2026
  • Asian economies prove resilient in wake of war Asian economies are proving resilient in the face of the energy shock sparked by the Iran war, though analysts warn of higher and persistent inflation.
    Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 30 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • That prudence by supporters of the center, including County Commissioner Raquel Regalado and Judge Steve Leifman, is now being used against them to keep the center in limbo.
    Jim DeFede, CBS News, 26 Apr. 2026
  • By all accounts, being a milquetoast is a sort of vice—cowardice masquerading as prudence.
    Nikhil Krishnan, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • No wonder the looks still read fresh and modern despite two decades having passed since its debut.
    Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 30 Apr. 2026
  • And the Lakers need their not-quite-ageless wonder to be at least great to beat these Houston Rockets one more time.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Nevada lacks a key seismic safety tool that California, Oregon and Washington all have — the earthquake early warning system run by the USGS, which sends alerts to smartphones or computers before the shaking starts.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 May 2026
  • This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio stations and available television stations for additional information and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 4 May 2026
Noun
  • Authorities also ordered evacuations in the immediate area as a precaution.
    CBS News, CBS News, 1 May 2026
  • That means that for something like a state visit involving the President of the US and King Charles, extra precautions had to be taken.
    Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 1 May 2026
Verb
  • Airline staff alerted officers on Thursday Police said the department's Narcotics Unit maintains a presence at Love Field to prevent drug trafficking through the airport.
    Doug Myers, CBS News, 2 May 2026
  • If needed, these personal alarms can be used to ward off threats, including people or animals, and serve to alert nearby rescue teams.
    Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 1 May 2026
Noun
  • There was no carefulness in it.
    Zack Meisel, New York Times, 1 May 2026
  • Organizations can benefit by valuing carefulness and concentration not as an obligation, but as a fundamental pillar of success.
    Heather V. MacArthur, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Californians are not asking for miracles, just that our government does the basics well.
    Matt Mahan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 May 2026
  • Beating out New York to host the spectacular world’s fair was a miracle considering just 22 years earlier the city was in shambles following the Great Chicago Fire.
    Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Caution.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/caution. Accessed 6 May. 2026.

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