Thesaurus

careful

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

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Synonyms & Antonyms of careful

1 having or showing a close attentiveness to avoiding danger or trouble

careful drivers slow down on slick or icy roadways

Synonyms for careful

Words Related to careful

hypercautious

deliberate,
slow

Near Antonyms for careful

Antonyms for careful

2 taking, showing, or involving great care and effort

that furniture maker was known to be a most careful worker, so his output was small

Synonyms for careful

Words Related to careful

studied,
thoughtful

Near Antonyms for careful

imprecise

Antonyms for careful

careless

Frequently Asked Questions About careful

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