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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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
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
Verb
Roth, though, cautioned investors against relying too much on that comparison. Davis Giangiulio, CNBC, 10 Mar. 2026 Measuring, analyzing, cautioning, dispensing encouragement. Literary Hub, 9 Mar. 2026
Noun
Experts who were not involved in the new study urged caution. Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 9 Mar. 2026 Residents' routines are shaped by caution and vigilance, and QueenEr'Re's death revived longstanding questions about safety and the city's efforts to address violence. Cameron Knight, Cincinnati Enquirer, 8 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for caution
Recent Examples of Synonyms for caution
Verb
  • Iran warned oil prices could surge as high as $200 a barrel.
    Bart Jansen, USA Today, 13 Mar. 2026
  • Los Angeles County public health officials issued a bacteria warning at several beaches as a potentially record-breaking heat wave arrives in Southern California.
    Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 13 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • This is not the time for fiscal prudence for the Sharks.
    Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 4 Mar. 2026
  • Davion Mitchell has been here before, the risk-reward crossroads between going full speed, shoulder first through a hard screen or practicing prudence.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 2 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Like tiny doors and geocaches, the Santa signs have an air of mystery and wonder.
    Thomas Lake, AJC.com, 12 Mar. 2026
  • The listing worried fans of the natural wonder.
    ABC News, ABC News, 12 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Military bases across California have tightened security since the conflict began, requiring more stringent visitor identification, checks at gates and warning of traffic delays.
    Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2026
  • Such is the warning from transparency advocates over Assembly Bill 1034, which passed the lower chamber last month by a 95-1 vote.
    Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 9 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • In an alert released Friday, the CDPHE said students and staff who may need to take additional health precautions will be contacted directly by local public health officials and school administrators.
    Jennifer McRae, CBS News, 6 Mar. 2026
  • His attorney said the incident was part of a mental health crisis and that precautions ensured no one was in the building.
    Todd Richmond, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Air sirens repeatedly alerted the residents of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem to seek shelter.
    Robin Wright, New Yorker, 8 Mar. 2026
  • Colleen developed a remarkable eye for identifying trouble and alerting others to it.
    Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 7 Mar. 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
  • Cleaning professional Claudia Meneses says that using white vinegar with a bit of water works real miracles on most shiny surfaces, including windows, chrome fixtures, and mirrors.
    Wendy Rose Gould, Martha Stewart, 7 Mar. 2026
  • Instead, Conger finds that what’s regarded as totally transformative technology is often getting trotted out as a ruse for cuts to bloated workforces that had to happen anyway, or as a wager on the miracles to come.
    Shawn Tully, Fortune, 7 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on caution

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster