caution 1 of 2

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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
Laffin and others cautioned, however, that much more research is needed to confirm the findings and make sure the treatment would be safe and long-lasting. NPR, 8 Nov. 2025 Yet, some Democrats cautioned that the party still has much work to do in raising up another communicator who can meet Obama’s star power. Mabinty Quarshie, The Washington Examiner, 7 Nov. 2025
Noun
Slow down and use caution while traveling. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 10 Nov. 2025 The last caution came when Byron hit the wall in the final laps, erasing Hamlin’s comfortable lead with just three laps remaining around the one-mile Phoenix oval. Jordan Bianchi, New York Times, 3 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for caution
Recent Examples of Synonyms for caution
Verb
  • Israel opened and closed Gaza’s borders with Egypt arbitrarily and without warning.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Nov. 2025
  • The United States and France first warned more than a decade ago that Russian satellites appeared to be spying and collecting information on their assets, including on commercially run satellites.
    Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 9 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Additionally, a boom-and-bust cycle in the early 2000s informs some of the company’s prudence on expansion.
    Zev Fima, CNBC, 19 Sep. 2025
  • Meanwhile, Taiwan’s military should exercise prudence in its rules of engagement and not assume that every close call is intentional.
    JOEL WUTHNOW, Foreign Affairs, 12 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Eventually, their wonder grates on Glaser and the rest of the forest.
    Andy Hoglund, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Nov. 2025
  • National parks may have the name recognition, but some of our country’s most beautiful natural wonders and sights are tucked away in state parks.
    Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 8 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • The impact of the storm was worsened by clogged waterways in an already flood-prone area, and an apparent lack of understanding of early warnings, Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV, deputy administrator for the Philippines Office of Civil Defense told local media.
    Helen Regan, CNN Money, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Strong winds are occurring but are not so strong as to warrant a High wind warning.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 6 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Many others show clear signs of precautions against the danger involved in missile production – buildings are surrounded by tall dirt and concrete berms, a safety measure against the risk of explosions.
    Tamara Qiblawi, CNN Money, 7 Nov. 2025
  • The Department of Transportation is implementing the cuts as a precaution due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, which has required air traffic controllers to work without pay for more than a month.
    Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 6 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Shortly thereafter, a bystander realized something wasn't right and alerted a lifeguard, Kauai Ocean Safety Bureau Chief Kalani Vierra told WBTW.
    Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 8 Nov. 2025
  • To understand what makes the mRNA shots special, the researchers examined blood and tissue samples and found that the COVID shots appeared to activate the innate immune system — a fundamental, early-warning defense mechanism that alerts other parts of the immune system to prepare for an attack.
    Lisa Jarvis, Twin Cities, 8 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Just as essential a consideration as carefulness for committee members, though, is speed.
    Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 26 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • On the inbound, Gary Payton found a cutting Fisher, who turned and heaved a miracle 18-footer at the buzzer, demoralizing the Spurs.
    The Athletic NBA Staff, New York Times, 11 Nov. 2025
  • Roman encourages you to go off-script, root through your own cupboards, and make small, delicious miracles.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 11 Nov. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Caution.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/caution. Accessed 15 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on caution

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!