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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 Part art, part wishful history, and part showmanship that only careful materials science could puncture. Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 4 Sep. 2025 Be careful with your purchases during the months ahead, and only consider items that will be worth the temptation. Lisa Stardust, Refinery29, 4 Sep. 2025 In other words, while Europe continues to send arms supplies to the Ukrainian army, Europe is also careful not to go too far in order to minimize the prospects of a clash with Russia. Daniel R. Depetris, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025 Global corporations need to be careful in choosing which water charity to support. Sivan Yaari, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for careful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for careful
Adjective
  • The duo have been cautious in their classification, allowing for the possibility that a torus of material could be behind the observations.
    Nola Taylor Tillman, Space.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • But being cautious doesn’t mean ignoring the risks.
    Matt Emma, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Reid is also meticulous with focusing on details, and Kansas City is usually better in this area than its opponents.
    Jesse Newell, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Paul Greengrass and Blumhouse might seem like an odd mix, the former perhaps best known for his meticulous, sensitive docudramas, the latter most famous for low-budget, high-yield genre movies.
    Damon Wise, Deadline, 6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Other than in the Second Circuit, the federal courts of appeals generally have interpreted the Confrontation Clause to require face-to-face cross examination, and counsel should be wary of giving up that important right.
    Robert Anello, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • For decades, educators have been wary of the decline in critical thinking and its impact on undermining the very purpose of education.
    Sixteen Ramos, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Younger adults in particular are less conscientious, agreeable, extroverted and open to new experiences than past generations, while neuroticism — marked by anxiety and emotional instability — is rising.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2025
  • Most of the traits that are good, like being conscientious and agreeable are also cool, but in different capacities.
    Dana Taylor, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Aim to exercise outdoors during daylight hours, if possible, and stay alert to your surroundings for safety.
    Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 8 Sep. 2025
  • That said, since Steal a Brainrot lives on a platform that may pose dangers to kids, parents should stay alert.
    Annabelle Canela, Parents, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • His banter with deadpan Principal Woodman (John Sylvester White) and his loving, eye-rolling wife Julie (Marcia Strassman) brought the series full circle, blending schoolyard shenanigans with heartfelt adult comedy.
    Marc Berman, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Jaiden is a sweet, loving, and happy young person whose smile can light up any room!
    MARE Staff, Boston Herald, 7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • This suspect has now been stopped in his tracks because of the diligent and tenacious work done by investigators at both the Los Angeles Police Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.
    Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 8 Sep. 2025
  • The researchers concluded that, especially in relatively dense neighborhoods, even if residents take diligent action in defense of their own houses, that may not matter much if their neighbors don’t.
    Ethan Baron, Mercury News, 7 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Careful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/careful. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.

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