caution 1 of 2

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
In other cases, the FDA cautioned that some customers who bought a GLP-1 online or from a compound pharmacy have received doses of semaglutide or tirzepatide that were higher than what the FDA approved as a safe dosage. Beth Warren, The Tennessean, 21 Aug. 2025 The National Hurricane Center cautioned beachgoers against swimming at most East Coast beaches due to dangerous surf and rip currents. David Schutz, Sun Sentinel, 21 Aug. 2025
Noun
Instead, organizations need to practice caution when deploying chatbots, which involves keeping the human touch present and knowing how to oversee and monitor these digital tools. Gary Drenik, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025 How to Get Started While social media loves to play up the positives, cold-water therapy, ice bathing, plunging, and open-water swimming should be approached with caution. Emily Peck, Wired News, 20 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for caution
Recent Examples of Synonyms for caution
Verb
  • Officials warned the road – known to flood even during seasonal high tides – could be impassable for days.
    Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2025
  • The bill in early March drew a significant fiscal note, which warned the costs of the legislation were hard to determine but the state could lose more than $1 billion in federal funding over the measure.
    Vivian Jones, The Tennessean, 21 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The scene serves as a powerful example of prudence, which is often misunderstood, as the team faces the challenging decision of how to save and manage the energy needed to bring the module back.
    Mary Crossan, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2025
  • This is emblematic of transit leaders’ lack of fiscal prudence.
    Micky Horstman, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The solipsism of low self-esteem is one of the wonders of the human psyche.
    Vivian Gornick, New Yorker, 16 Aug. 2025
  • Alves devoted part of that speech to the wonders of this country by providing the blessings of freedom and opportunity to people like him.
    Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 16 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Nearly 20 years later, as storms grow stronger and climate disasters are becoming more frequent, Honoré says the lessons of Hurricane Katrina remain urgent: Local leaders fail, warnings can be too late, and people without resources are often left behind.
    Reena Advani, NPR, 25 Aug. 2025
  • Preventing famine through monitoring, early warning and early response to potential and emerging food and nutrition crises is paramount.
    Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Be mindful outdoors: Take extra precautions when working or spending time outside. Find the right time: Consider rescheduling strenuous activities to early morning or evening if possible. Familiarize yourself with warning signs: Know the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 18 Aug. 2025
  • Those spending time outdoors should take precautions such as wearing loose clothes and drink a lot of water.
    Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Once the report is complete, an animal control officer will be alerted.
    Jade Jackson, IndyStar, 23 Aug. 2025
  • Her body was removed from the vehicle, and next of kin were alerted.
    Charna Flam, People.com, 22 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Loop them in early, give them real decision-making power, and don’t expect miracles in just 10 hours a week.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025
  • And yet, to one Canadian family, there was what amounted to a miracle.
    Frank Witsil, Freep.com, 25 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Experts recommend getting the COVID-19 vaccine now, but advise waiting until later September or early October for the flu vaccine.
    Beth Warren, The Tennessean, 23 Aug. 2025
  • One program called Student Support Services (SSS) provides tutoring, advising and other assistance to at-risk college students.
    Michael Vasquez, NPR, 22 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Caution.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/caution. Accessed 29 Aug. 2025.

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