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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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

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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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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

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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
Experts say people should know their rights but caution that exercising them can come with risks, and people need to balance First Amendment freedoms with their own safety. Kristen Taketa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Feb. 2026 George Washington, in his Farewell Address (1796), cautioned against factions that prioritize loyalty over principle. Ken Silverstein, Twin Cities, 15 Feb. 2026
Noun
Slow down and use caution while driving. Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 16 Feb. 2026 Harry, however, is said to have interpreted William’s caution as a lack of support — or even skepticism — toward Meghan. Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 16 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for caution
Recent Examples of Synonyms for caution
Verb
  • Against this background, European diplomats, as well as some US lawmakers, warned Zelensky that a trip to Washington was unwise.
    Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 20 Feb. 2026
  • The San Joaquin Valley also received a freeze warning Thursday.
    Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado, Sacbee.com, 20 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Posey seems to want to pass this off as prudence.
    Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 18 Feb. 2026
  • Having both adequate owners’ capital against insolvency and deposit reserves against illiquidity were voluntary prudence early in this historical evolution.
    Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 15 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • But this year’s visit felt like divine intervention—a dose of natural awe and wonder sent from above to make it through fraught times.
    Stephanie Pearson, Outside, 19 Feb. 2026
  • Though his injuries were severe, the sailors watched in wonder as the cat determinedly licked his wounds, then got back to work destroying the rats threatening the ship’s food stores.
    Anne Ewbank, Popular Science, 18 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Various weather alerts were issued across the state, including winter storm warnings, coastal flooding advisories, and wind advisories.
    Doyle Rice, USA Today, 17 Feb. 2026
  • Lin echoed those warnings that a conflict in the Taiwan Strait would reverberate worldwide.
    Eryk Michael Smith, FOXNews.com, 16 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Rivera said in a statement posted to social media that anyone who chooses to venture into backcountry areas should take safety precautions, and consider not going at all in heightened conditions.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 20 Feb. 2026
  • As a safety precaution, police say purchasers should ask to see the property under consideration before giving money in return.
    Paula Wethington, CBS News, 19 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Jackson County alerted local schools to continue monitoring the issue, but law enforcement did not have probable cause to arrest or take other actions, according to the statement.
    Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 16 Feb. 2026
  • During the first week of the search, the New York Post reported that one of Guthrie’s neighbors had alerted police to the presence, in the neighborhood, in January, of an unmarked white van.
    Paige Williams, New Yorker, 14 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Organizations can benefit by valuing carefulness and concentration not as an obligation, but as a fundamental pillar of success.
    Heather V. MacArthur, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026
  • Just as essential a consideration as carefulness for committee members, though, is speed.
    Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 26 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • As a teenager Acutis used his tech savvy to create a website that listed Eucharistic miracles.
    Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 13 Feb. 2026
  • There are no miracle cures for COVID-19, including dietary supplements.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Caution.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/caution. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.

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