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

Nonetheless, observers caution against framing the Houthis’ recent intervention as merely executing Iran’s regional agenda. — Nic Robertson, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2026

Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, cautioned that some pumps could simply be out of fuel. — Jordan Blum, Fortune, 10 Sep. 2026

Noun

Pet owners and parents, however, should exercise caution when deciding to grow these within reach of children or furry family members. — ABC News, 8 Sep. 2026

The Long Beach evacuation orders were issued out of an abundance of caution, officials said, to allow the city’s Building and Safety Bureau to evaluate the structural integrity and condition of the homes. — Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026