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
1
as in prudence
a close attentiveness to avoiding danger
the extreme caution with which the zookeeper handled the snake
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
as in advice
the act or an instance of telling beforehand of danger or risk
we heeded the police officer's caution about the road ahead
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
John Leicester,
Fortune,
3 July 2026
Harvard Health has published a critical take on Apollo Neuro, and Medscape has cautioned about at-home vagus nerve stimulation devices, warning of uncertain efficacy and safety.
—
Samantha Agate,
Kansas City Star,
2 July 2026
Jason Kirsch,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2026
Additional sample collection and testing will continue, the LADWP said, and the boil water notice was issued out of an abundance of caution.
—
Julie Sharp,
CBS News,
1 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for caution
Verb
The health agency cautioned that its tallies underestimate the true death toll, because they’re based on incomplete data.
—
John Leicester,
Fortune,
3 July 2026
Harvard Health has published a critical take on Apollo Neuro, and Medscape has cautioned about at-home vagus nerve stimulation devices, warning of uncertain efficacy and safety.
—
Samantha Agate,
Kansas City Star,
2 July 2026
Noun
Regarding duration, with interest rates nearing their peak, extending into intermediate maturities (3-7 years) offers a good balance of income and rate sensitivity, though caution is advised for very long durations due to fiscal pressures.
—
Jason Kirsch,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2026
Additional sample collection and testing will continue, the LADWP said, and the boil water notice was issued out of an abundance of caution.
—
Julie Sharp,
CBS News,
1 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for caution
Recent Examples of Synonyms for caution
Verb
-
The organization warned that as search-and-rescue teams begin to scale back operations, humanitarian needs—particularly food, medical care and protection services—could intensify rather than diminish.
-
Avila's family sued Tesla last week, alleging her death resulted from the company's gross negligence and failure to warn consumers that its self-driving systems were defective.
Noun
-
Considering there were only 33 appearances this past season, such Heat prudence hardly could be viewed as insulting.
-
This is how a title is won, with prudence and luck and a foresight that becomes apparent in the afterglow of victory.
Noun
-
This avoidance tactic can explain the modern mismatch between sounds and spelling in wolf, wood and wonder.
-
No wonder Yard Act realized music is the lifeline that just might pull us back out of the muck.
Noun
-
Topical hormone treatments like vaginal estrogen, from which the FDA recently removed a warning label, are becoming commonplace.
-
This will be elevated to an extreme heat warning by Monday or Tuesday, and cooling centers will be opened.
Noun
-
As a further precaution, consider adding background noise, like the TV or a white noise machine, to help muffle the sounds.
-
Take every precaution to never leave young children and pets alone in vehicles, especially in extreme heat when car interiors can quickly become hazardous.
Verb
-
According to the Lauderhill Police Department, someone alerted officers that a man had attempted to attack him while he was armed with a knife.
-
James alerted the Lakers with enough forewarning before free agency officially begins on Tuesday evening about his future plans.
Noun
-
This carefulness is clearly strategic.
-
There was no carefulness in it.
Noun
-
The rescue was considered a small miracle cutting through a week of tragedy.
-
The American productivity story is a miracle, and one worth continuing to perfect.
Cite this Entry
“Caution.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/caution. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
