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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 Without such careful consideration, Goldman predicts a dystopian future prompted by age verification laws. ArsTechnica, 30 Apr. 2025 Certainly nothing that’s happened with the tariffs debacle has shown that there’s careful thought or consideration behind any move day-to-day. New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 30 Apr. 2025 Watch out for slippery roads: Be extra careful during the first half hour after rain begins. Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 30 Apr. 2025 Buy a product that’s specifically geared to soothe the area (be careful of men’s aftershaves, which aren’t the same thing), or use a mild natural moisturizer like aloe vera to hydrate and protect your skin. 6. Megan Gustashaw, Glamour, 29 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for careful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for careful
Adjective
  • While public support for cannabis legalization has grown, recent events indicate a more cautious approach.
    Matt Rozo, Mercury News, 28 Apr. 2025
  • So for a couple of reasons, the Red Sox are playing it cautious with Anthony, even with the latest foot injury, undoubtedly to the frustration of most of their fan base.
    Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Transforming an interview dilemma into an eight-figure brand, Jenny Lei is building Freja New York with meticulous intention while redefining what luxury means in the vegan accessories space.
    Angela Lei, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
  • Her meticulous research and historical erudition are legendary, and her belief in the magic of fashion is unwavering.
    Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • And critics are still wary of its original incentive model, which offered cryptocurrency (Worldcoin tokens) to those who signed up.
    Jennifer Jolly, USA Today, 2 May 2025
  • From the start, two things are abundantly clear: Indy is wary of the creepy old house, and his affection for Todd is unwavering.
    Katie Campione, Deadline, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • Competence: Intelligent, dependable, wise, principled, conscientious • Sophistication: Elegant, composed, worldly, confident, tactful • Ruggedness: Tough, athletic, sturdy, outdoorsy, reliable Most businesses focus on a couple of these.
    Sabine Leveiller, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Less conscientious importers, Fetyani explains, will often bring the car to the port and leave the owner to figure it out from there.
    Raphael Orlove, Robb Report, 3 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Amber’s legacy is an alert system that has saved over 1,000 children.
    Joe Rassel, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 Apr. 2025
  • The victim, a man in his 20s, was alert and conscious and was transported to an area hospital for treatment, Boisvert said.
    Staff report, Hartford Courant, 22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • These institutions make our lives sweet, loving and creative, rather than nasty, brutish and short.
    David Brooks, Mercury News, 23 Apr. 2025
  • These passages also reinforced his vision of a more inclusive and loving church, one that follows the example set by Jesus in the Gospels.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • This means investors need to conduct diligent research into both financial and ethical factors.
    Sahit Muja, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025
  • Kai seems like a sweet kid — a diligent server, a talented performer, loyal to Paula despite being tempted by her best friend, Olivia (played by Sydney Sweeney).
    Eddie Mouradian, Vulture, 7 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Careful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/careful. Accessed 5 May. 2025.

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