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
Nakamoto cautions against beginners trying peel-and-stick wallpaper and flooring. Sarah Everett, The Spruce, 2 June 2026 Clara Koh, Meta’s director of public policy for Southeast Asia, had cautioned in April that Malaysia's blanket under-16 ban could backfire by driving teenagers away from protected apps and into unregulated corners of the internet. ABC News, 1 June 2026
Noun
Gwinnett County officials are warning residents to use caution after a raccoon tested positive for rabies over the weekend. Dan Raby, CBS News, 1 June 2026 Though there is no clear evidence that being on a [GLP-1 drug] increases risk of pancreatitis specifically due to alcohol intake, caution is warranted. Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 1 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for caution
Recent Examples of Synonyms for caution
Verb
  • San Diego County routinely issues public health advisories to warn local doctors of emerging threats, but Thursday was the first time in recent memory that a mode of transportation made the list.
    Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 May 2026
  • Iranian media reported that the country's Navy had fired warning shots at four vessels that attempted to pass through the Strait of Hormuz without authorization this morning.
    Kyla Guilfoil, NBC news, 29 May 2026
Noun
  • This raised interest rates to punishing levels just as fiscal prudence was being tossed aside.
    Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 31 May 2026
  • Strength and prudence are not the same thing.
    S.E. Cupp, New York Daily News, 27 May 2026
Noun
  • Its wildlife officers risk their lives daily to protect the natural wonders of Florida and do it with bravery and valor.
    Joe Murphy, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 May 2026
  • Little wonder scientists are eager to understand where this particle came from and how it was boosted to such high energies.
    Robert Lea, Space.com, 28 May 2026
Noun
  • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday had reiterated his warning to citizens of a possible large-scale Russian strike.
    Helen Regan, CNN Money, 2 June 2026
  • Thousands of residents of Kyiv were taking refuge inside metro stations and other shelters after air raid warnings.
    Reuters, NBC news, 2 June 2026
Noun
  • The doctor intentionally left the remainder of the tumor as a precaution against possible brain damage due to excessively invasive surgery.
    Scott M. Reid, Oc Register, 30 May 2026
  • The program currently requires companies to submit a plan to the EPA outlining safety precautions, hazard assessments in the case of an accidental release and emergency response steps.
    Evan Bush, NBC news, 30 May 2026
Verb
  • The animals in Laurie’s house, hearing the patrol cars and the helicopters before the humans can, alert them that there is something wrong.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 1 June 2026
  • Prior to the confirmation, Bear told followers that witnesses had reportedly seen Matt near a river in Washington before authorities were alerted.
    Deirdre Durkan, PEOPLE, 31 May 2026
Noun
  • There was no carefulness in it.
    Zack Meisel, New York Times, 1 May 2026
  • 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
Noun
  • Fiction is a miracle in that way.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 June 2026
  • Gridiron-minded boomers will assert that, in 1969, Joe Namath’s Jets scored, in Super Bowl III, the greatest of all Gotham miracles.
    David Remnick, New Yorker, 30 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Caution.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/caution. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.

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