1
as in cautious
having or showing a close attentiveness to avoiding danger or trouble
careful drivers slow down on slick or icy roadways
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in meticulous
taking, showing, or involving great care and effort
that furniture maker was known to be a most careful worker, so his output was small
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of careful
Virgo August 23 – September 22 Deep trust grows through careful, kind agreements.
—
Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 20 Feb. 2026
Their lines and colors interact directly with your furniture, decor, and architectural details, so achieving balance takes careful pre-planning.
—Marisa Suzanne Martin, The Spruce, 20 Feb. 2026
Who Should Pay Closer Attention Certain people, such as those with diabetes, prediabetes, or insulin resistance, should be particularly careful when purchasing condiments.
—Jillian Kubala, Health, 20 Feb. 2026
The structure of this hair type requires specialized skills, careful planning, and the right technique.
—Lyssanoel Frater, Freep.com, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for careful
Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 20 Feb. 2026
Their lines and colors interact directly with your furniture, decor, and architectural details, so achieving balance takes careful pre-planning.
—Marisa Suzanne Martin, The Spruce, 20 Feb. 2026
Who Should Pay Closer Attention Certain people, such as those with diabetes, prediabetes, or insulin resistance, should be particularly careful when purchasing condiments.
—Jillian Kubala, Health, 20 Feb. 2026
The structure of this hair type requires specialized skills, careful planning, and the right technique.
—Lyssanoel Frater, Freep.com, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for careful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for careful
Adjective
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Be cautious of ice accumulating on power lines or tree branches, which can lead to snapping and falling hazards.—
Bay Area Weather Report,
Mercury News,
18 Feb. 2026
-
Most of North and Central Texas shouldbe cautious with burning on Thursday, but the wildfire threat is less severe.—
Julia James,
Dallas Morning News,
18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Nestled between Yo’s recollections of childhood and early adulthood are establishing shots and dramatizations that, at first, can be hard to decipher as having been shot in real spaces or in Fitch’s meticulous 1/3rd scale models.—
Siddhant Adlakha,
Variety,
20 Feb. 2026
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That likely means that businesses will have to fight tooth and nail for any chance at a refund — even though the government keeps meticulous records of all tariff payments.—
Elisabeth Buchwald,
CNN Money,
20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Despite the calm, residents remained wary of the media frenzy the neighborhood had seen for several weeks, illustrated by a sign posted on a pole down the street from Guthrie’s house.—
Helen Rummel,
AZCentral.com,
22 Feb. 2026
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Many American firms, wary of corruption and instability, decided to stay away from business dealings in the region.—
Nicolas Niarchos,
Vanity Fair,
20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
For 20-odd years, Adams has been one of Hollywood’s most reliably committed and conscientious performers.—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
16 Feb. 2026
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The Sun Sentinel Editorial Board recommends that Pembroke Pines voters re-elect two capable and conscientious incumbent commissioners.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The alert system puts in place precautions including around-the-clock maintenance of the roadway and possible closure and detours around the Grapevine.—
Sonja Sharp,
Los Angeles Times,
16 Feb. 2026
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Travel through passes and canyons could become dangerous, and be alert for rock slides and mud slides.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
16 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
There was choreographed dancing, a DJ, and mounted posters of Flemister where people could write loving words in colorful markers.—
Laura Turbay,
Chicago Tribune,
22 Feb. 2026
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The Lindner family released a statement following the death of Christopher Lindner, describing him as a loving, kind, Christ Jesus follower, husband, and father of four who had suffered from mental illness.—
Gillian Stawiszynski,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Stephanie and Malcolm's relationship petered out relatively quickly, after the diligent doctor realized the hotshot party boy wasn't likely to slow his pace to meet hers.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
17 Feb. 2026
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More information is always better for the diligent investor.—
Zev Fima,
CNBC,
16 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Careful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/careful. Accessed 24 Feb. 2026.
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