caution 1 of 2

Definition of cautionnext
as in to warn
to give notice to beforehand especially of danger or risk the doctor cautioned that I should still be careful using my sprained wrist for the next several days

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caution

2 of 2

noun

1
2
as in wonder
something extraordinary or surprising how she manages to drive her car without destroying the neighborhood is a caution

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3
as in warning
something that tells of approaching danger or risk this is just a caution that the following paragraph practically gives away the entire plot of the movie

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4
5
as in precaution
a measure taken to preclude loss or injury the standard caution of donning surgical gloves before performing any kind of dental work

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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 caution
Verb
In discussions with others, caution against leaping to conclusions. Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 5 Apr. 2026 While the benefits are clear, the analyst cautions that AI is not a magic wand. Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 5 Apr. 2026
Noun
One of those tools is the American narrative itself—its symbols and heroes, its lessons and points of caution. Beverly Gage, The Atlantic, 5 Apr. 2026 Rip currents are strong and life-threatening at area beaches, while small craft should exercise caution offshore. Garfield Hylton, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for caution
Recent Examples of Synonyms for caution
Verb
  • Fundación AguaClara, a Venezuelan environmental nonprofit with more than two decades of work in the country’s southern ecosystems, has warned that opening the sector could trigger a deeper expansion of mining across fragile regions of the Venezuelan Amazon.
    Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2026
  • The jury found that the formula was defectively designed, that Abbott failed to adequately warn about the dangers and risks of the formula and that Abbott was negligent.
    Lisa Schencker, Chicago Tribune, 9 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Austria retained possession of Venetia, and prudence dictated to the delegates at the Congress of Vienna that continued Austrian predominance in Italy should guarantee the peninsula against French influence.
    Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 12 Mar. 2026
  • The two big investments in their front seven — particularly Phillips’ whopping four-year, $120 million deal — also meant the Panthers would have to exercise financial prudence with their other additions, at least one of which was a head-scratcher.
    Joseph Person, New York Times, 11 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • These tasty wonders will make dish duty a breeze.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 9 Apr. 2026
  • A little perspective can often do wonders for a mental adjustment.
    Chi Varnado, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Strong winds are occurring but are not so strong as to warrant a High wind warning.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 7 Apr. 2026
  • Boston Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras had a warning for the Milwaukee Brewers after he was hit on the hand by a pitch Monday night from right-hander Brandon Woodruff.
    ABC News, ABC News, 7 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • In the face of heavy rain, these precautions can make a significant difference in ensuring your safety on the road.
    Southern California Weather Report, Daily News, 10 Apr. 2026
  • The National Association of Mortgage Brokers recommends customers take precautions to avoid potential frauds by calling sources and double-checking any information or requests.
    ABC News, ABC News, 10 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Keep your headlights on and activate emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position.
    Southern California Weather Report, Daily News, 12 Apr. 2026
  • Edward Smith works at Marsh Harbour Boatyards, a boat storage and repair facility in the tourist destination, and was alerted by another employee that a man had stumbled onto the property talking about a key and a woman.
    Peter D'Abrosca, FOXNews.com, 12 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Organizations can benefit by valuing carefulness and concentration not as an obligation, but as a fundamental pillar of success.
    Heather V. MacArthur, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026
  • Just as essential a consideration as carefulness for committee members, though, is speed.
    Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 26 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Consider the chain of contingencies that had to align, and the child’s existence can feel like a miracle.
    Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026
  • Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander combined to score 15 points in the last 73 seconds of this MVP referendum, which ended with a Denver miracle wiped out.
    Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 12 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Caution.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/caution. Accessed 13 Apr. 2026.

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