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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 The careful approach is important, as major changes are on the horizon for the royal family — the most obvious being William and Kate's inevitable transition to ruling monarchs. Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? Meredith Kile, People.com, 18 June 2025 The logistics involved are intricate, and the show’s directors must be careful to frame shots so as not to reveal that a hallway belonging to one character might lead to a dining room owned by another — and to make sure that none of the modern protective flooring or handrails make it into a take. Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 17 June 2025 This theme park is also home to live shows and a great deal of careful world-building. Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 17 June 2025 The launch of the phone company marks the latest Trump venture that critics of the President are watching with a careful eye. Solcyré Burga, Time, 16 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for careful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for careful
Adjective
  • The prospect of higher inflation even as present data looks mild has led to a staredown between the Fed, which has advocated for a cautious approach on cutting interest rates in case tariffs do worsen inflation, and Trump, who has aggressively called for big cuts.
    Derek Saul, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
  • That’s a problem for investors, who regard Powell as a serious, cautious economist who operates independently of Trump’s political desires.
    Jim Edwards, Fortune, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • Later, as the way opened, Swedish producers and artists, from Denniz Pop to Max Martin, would follow, bringing glossy, meticulous pop to the global marketplace.
    Mitch Therieau, New Yorker, 18 June 2025
  • Once home to Louis XV’s architect, the property underwent a meticulous four-year renovation before reopening to what is now one of the most luxurious properties in the city.
    Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 18 June 2025
Adjective
  • But despite that backing, most Americans are wary of the consequences.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 June 2025
  • Many aides are very wary of getting ahead of Trump given his unpredictability.
    Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 18 June 2025
Adjective
  • Mowery recently launched Azure Road, a new culinary, travel, and lifestyle publication for conscientious consumers.
    Lauren Mowery, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
  • For each of us, conscientious use of this planet’s resources will need to be a lifelong endeavor.
    Andre Garron, Hartford Courant, 12 June 2025
Adjective
  • Here's a breakdown of the three-tiered alert system from the NWS and what each level entails: High wind warning: Take action!
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 22 June 2025
  • Be alert to warning signs: Educate yourself about the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 22 June 2025
Adjective
  • All cats regardless of age deserve a safe and loving home.
    Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025
  • Additionally, researchers discovered that even when children are placed in safe and loving settings, like with responsive adoptive parents, some of them naturally shunned connection.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
Adjective
  • Clark said locally, at San Dimas’ Via Verde Country Club and Pomona’s Mountain Meadows Golf Course, Spaun is remembered as a diligent kid who put in a lot of time working on his game.
    Mirjam Swanson, Oc Register, 16 June 2025
  • The only way to avoid False Dividend Stocks is with diligent fundamental research on cash flows.
    David Trainer, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Careful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/careful. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.

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