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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 film is an adaptation of a buzzy indie game available on Steam about a man trapped in an endless stretch of seemingly identical subway tunnels and needing to pay careful attention to find his way out. Brian Welk, IndieWire, 13 May 2025 Listen to this article There are moments in the life cycle of every NBA franchise when courage must overcome comfort and when boldness must break the bonds of the slow, careful grind of development. Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 May 2025 The incident is also a reminder to be careful around CAPTCHA tests that ask you to perform unusual keyboard commands. Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 12 May 2025 As with any manicure, be careful using your hands, and wear gloves when doing chores like cleaning and washing the dishes. Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 12 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for careful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for careful
Adjective
  • This can lead to overly cautious investment choices and missed opportunities for growth.
    Bruce Helmer, Twin Cities, 10 May 2025
  • Please be cautious in entering personal information as seedlings for your romance stories.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
Adjective
  • No matter how meticulous evidence is gathered, its value can diminish without transparent, comprehensive reporting.
    Beth Worthy, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
  • None of these answers are dull or obscure, which is the result of meticulous word list grooming and a high standard for fill.
    Deb Amlen, New York Times, 9 May 2025
Adjective
  • There is a chance the deal is not with the Mets, who could still be wary of committing to an aging slugger like Alonso.
    Aaliyan Mohammed, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 2025
  • Madrid’s staff are wary of Barca’s threat and think their rivals could have done even more damage in the Copa final.
    Guillermo Rai, New York Times, 11 May 2025
Adjective
  • The whereabouts rules are in place to ensure a fair and consistent method of testing for all athletes — not just ones who come from nations with conscientious anti-doping practices.
    Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 14 May 2025
  • By operating outside of the fast-churning fashion market with multi-year collections, Huang takes necessary time to be innovative and conscientious with her label’s designs and production.
    Cierra Black, Essence, 23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Be alert to small inconsistencies in email addresses, phone numbers, or names.
    Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 May 2025
  • The boy was found alert and conscious, officials said, according to local ABC affiliate WJLA.
    Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • Soto should, of course, get a loving reception from the Bleacher Creatures on Friday night, no?
    Will Sammon, New York Times, 16 May 2025
  • Tina Knowles remembers growing up in a loving and raucous family of nine.
    Sara Sidner, CNN Money, 11 May 2025
Adjective
  • Hard work and diligent monitoring will spell success.
    Anthony Reardon, Kansas City Star, 16 May 2025
  • But the swift and diligent response to KJ's condition led to timely treatment.
    Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 16 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Careful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/careful. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

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