Synonyms of caution

caution 1 of 2

verb

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

• warn
• alert
• advise
• forewarn
• inform
• wake
• predict
• forecast
• admonish
• notify
• prophesy
• prognosticate
• presage
• apprise
• tip (off)
• foretell
• augur
• harbinger
• bode
• portend
• foreshadow
• forebode
• foretoken

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• risk
• imperil

caution

2 of 2

noun

ˈkȯ-shən 

1

as in prudence

a close attentiveness to avoiding danger

the extreme caution with which the zookeeper handled the snake

Synonyms & Similar Words

• prudence
• carefulness
• care
• circumspection
• cautiousness
• attentiveness
• wariness
• alertness
• vigilance
• guardedness
• watchfulness
• observance
• heedfulness
• chariness
• gingerliness
• foresight
• calculation
• providence
• deliberation
• shrewdness
• deliberateness
• foresightedness
• canniness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• carelessness
• recklessness
• heedlessness
• brashness
• suddenness
• rashness
• hastiness
• abruptness
• impetuousness
• incaution
• incautiousness
• thoughtlessness
• unwariness
• inconsideration
• inconsiderateness
• precipitousness

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

• wonder
• miracle
• marvel
• phenomenon
• prodigy
• sensation
• beauty
• portent
• splendor
• flash
• curiosity
• spectacle
• sight
• appearance
• apparition
• knockout
• crackerjack
• dandy
• jim-dandy
• corker

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

• warning
• sign
• red light
• handwriting on the wall
• red flag
• tip-off
• tocsin
• indicator
• wake-up call
• signal
• omen
• notification
• premonition
• portent
• declaration
• presage
• buoy
• notice
• announcement
• foretaste
• knell
• foretoken

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• permission
• green light
• OK
• go-ahead
• all clear

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

• warning
• advice
• forewarning
• suggestion
• admonition
• recommendation
• admonishment
• alert
• heads-up
• alarm
• prediction
• notice
• informing
• announcement
• predicting
• prophecy
• forecasting
• guidance
• tip
• premonition
• notification
• declaration
• prognosticating
• prophesying
• augury
• counsel
• auguring
• presaging
• foretelling
• tip-off
• notifying
• apprising

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

• precaution
• preventive
• safeguard
• palladium
• protection
• fail-safe
• wall
• shield
• screen
• ward
• armor
• guard
• cover

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of caution

Verb

Evans also cautioned against confusing maximal lifespan for a healthy lifespan. — Lauren Chan, STAT, 20 Aug. 2026

But some experts still caution against assuming that Iran's economy is facing imminent collapse. — Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 20 Aug. 2026

Noun

In November 2022, for example, the core stage of a Chinese Long March 5B rocket fell to Earth in an uncontrolled reentry over Spain, prompting multiple airspace closures out of caution. — Brett Tingley, Space.com, 19 Aug. 2026

Built In One Of The World’s Toughest Markets Japan’s reputation for caution is misread, Ooi says. — Jurin Ai Contributor, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026