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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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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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
Legal experts caution that cases of this scale — spanning multiple countries and financial systems — can take years to resolve. Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 10 July 2026 Until a source is found, Rutgers’ Schaffner cautions against staying away from fresh fruits and vegetables. Erika Edwards, NBC news, 10 July 2026
Noun
Objects that are outdoors should be secured and caution should be taken if driving. Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 8 July 2026 Swift’s caution surrounding her wedding stemmed from her notoriously messy history with Ye. Allison Degrushe, StyleCaster, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for caution
Recent Examples of Synonyms for caution
Verb
  • Similarly, Newport Beach had warned partygoers to avoid lawbreaking before the takeover.
    Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
  • Oman’s Foreign Ministry also condemned the latest attacks against Bahrain and Kuwait in an X post, warning that the escalation of military tensions in the region poses a threat to not only its security, but overall maritime safety.
    Jamie Gray, NBC news, 9 July 2026
Noun
  • The World Economic Forum calls it financial nihilism — the conclusion that the system no longer rewards prudence, driving a cohort toward crypto bets, prediction markets, and raided retirement accounts.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 6 July 2026
  • But not necessarily the knowledge, confidence or contacts to take it to next stage of monetization, strike collaborative partnerships or exercise operational prudence.
    Gaurav Sharma, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
Noun
  • This pantry staple works wonders to remove grease and grime from multiple surfaces in your home, including your oven, without chemicals.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 11 July 2026
  • Listening to his composition, I am struck by its beauty, craftsmanship, and the unmistakable sense of wonder that animates it.
    Pat Saperstein, Variety, 10 July 2026
Noun
  • An evacuation warning was issued for the area of Paradise Ranch, between Templin Highway and the Pyramid Lake area, according to Los Angeles County fire officials.
    Andrea Klick, Daily News, 7 July 2026
  • Burgin initially took the test in November after moving to California from Minnesota and then received the DMV warning letter in June.
    Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
Noun
  • The Fire Safe Council and forestry herbicide experts stressed that when herbicide is used, crews take significant precautions to protect ecosystems and communities.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
  • Though the source of the infections has yet to be identified, experts recommend taking precautions with fresh produce and practicing good hygiene to reduce the risk of contracting the disease.
    Devika Rao, TheWeek, 9 July 2026
Verb
  • New York’s emergency notification system also alerted residents Tuesday morning of potential traffic delays in the area and urged people to use alternate routes.
    Conor Murray, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
  • Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Trump had alerted Congress Wednesday of the administration’s intent to rescind Syria’s designation following a 45-day period -- the amount of time required for congressional review.
    Mariam Khan, ABC News, 8 July 2026
Noun
  • This carefulness is clearly strategic.
    Gary Sernovitz, New Yorker, 15 June 2026
  • There was no carefulness in it.
    Zack Meisel, New York Times, 1 May 2026
Noun
  • And an even greater miracle is that the film will be directed by the one and only Destin Daniel Cretton.
    Zack Sharf, Variety, 9 July 2026
  • Worner said the notion of a miracle — independent of martyrdom— is twofold.
    Vivian Wilson, Twin Cities, 8 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Caution.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/caution. Accessed 14 Jul. 2026.

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