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
Even though so few flu vaccines still contain the preservative, Abdelmalek cautioned that taking it out of the remaining supply could compromise safety and access for more remote, far-away clinics that rely on multi-dose vials. Liz Neporent, ABC News, 25 June 2025 Piper also cautioned against the cultural push toward hyperproductivity as a healing strategy. Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025
Noun
All of that raises the question of whether the U.S. bombing will open up a more brutal phase of fighting or revive negotiations out of an abundance of caution. Josh Boak, Los Angeles Times, 23 June 2025 The State Department issues a worldwide caution when there is a broad elevated risk for U.S. citizens abroad. Suzanne Rowan Kelleher, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for caution
Recent Examples of Synonyms for caution
Verb
  • The International Atomic Energy Agency has previously warned that bombing active enrichment sites, particularly Fordow, could pose environmental and health risks.
    Brian Bennett, Time, 22 June 2025
  • Newsom, for his part, has also warned that California won’t be the last state to see troops in the streets if Trump gets his way.
    Sara Braun, Fortune, 21 June 2025
Noun
  • In all negotiations, prudence cannot be sacrificed.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 18 June 2025
  • Waugh: Fundamentally, Newcastle want to significantly bolster Howe’s squad while maintaining financial prudence.
    Chris Waugh, New York Times, 12 June 2025
Noun
  • Paring payroll and procuring prospects took precedence, prompting wonder whether that run could be waning.
    Chandler Rome, New York Times, 28 June 2025
  • Squid Game could have been a one-season wonder instead of a three-season bummer.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • While major plot developments have been withheld to preserve the viewing experience, the network has requested spoiler warnings on all reviews.
    Alison Herman, Variety, 26 June 2025
  • The warning was issued at 11:41 p.m. on Wednesday, and the last update concerning this incident was provided on Wednesday at 11:46 p.m.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • To prevent gulls from nesting on rooftops, it is recommended to take precautions during the winter, before the birds begin to settle, and to steer clear from chicks and nests.
    Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 June 2025
  • Always follow proper procedures and ensure fire safety precautions are in place to prevent accidents.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 18 June 2025
Verb
  • An appliance or device could be beeping to alert you of a problem with the item itself such as broken components, improper installation, improper use, and more.
    Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 June 2025
  • For example, if a vehicle backs up straight toward an ATM instead of driving normally, AI could detect this and trigger responses like alerting employees, sounding alarms or shutting down machines.
    Stuart Mackinnon, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
Noun
  • On Jewish holidays, the Hallel prayer is recited in Shul as a psalm of praise and thanksgiving and collective expression of gratitude for GDs miracles.
    Rafael James, Sun Sentinel, 24 June 2025
  • Don’t just pray for a miracle, but be realistic and find the right plan.
    Kyle Thomas, People.com, 22 June 2025
Verb
  • The final decision about Iran's response will be made by Khamenei; the parliament's vote to close the strait merely advises him of the option to pursue.
    Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025
  • Don't toss it immediately, advises Mather at URI, because identifying some key information about the tick can help determine your risks.
    Pien Huang, NPR, 23 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Caution.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/caution. Accessed 3 Jul. 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!