as in warning
serving as or offering a warning
the story of King Midas is a cautionary tale about the perils of wishing for something—you just might get it
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Recent Examples of cautionary
For years, however, the Sabres have been the Baba Yaga that skeptics of rebuilding through the draft have been able to point to as a cautionary tale.
—
Thomas Drance, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
Venezuela has become a cautionary tale.
—Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 6 Jan. 2026
Baltimore provides a cautionary parallel.
—Karl W. Bickel, Baltimore Sun, 6 Jan. 2026
But Chula Vista’s development track record carries cautionary notes.
—Walker Armstrong, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Jan. 2026
Yet Canada’s experience also provides cautionary lessons.
—Dr. Jeffrey Singer, New York Daily News, 3 Jan. 2026
There’s also the trio of Jay Kelly, Sentimental Value, and Marty Supreme — all of which, in their own way, are cautionary tales about what not to do as a father.
—Nate Jones, Vulture, 2 Jan. 2026
Cahill agrees, and offers a cautionary note.
—Colleen Sullivan, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Dec. 2025
The flood would become a cautionary tale of trying to control the natural order of water and gravity that carved the Central Valley through the heart of California.
—Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 23 Dec. 2025
Thomas Drance, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
Venezuela has become a cautionary tale.
—Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 6 Jan. 2026
Baltimore provides a cautionary parallel.
—Karl W. Bickel, Baltimore Sun, 6 Jan. 2026
But Chula Vista’s development track record carries cautionary notes.
—Walker Armstrong, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Jan. 2026
Yet Canada’s experience also provides cautionary lessons.
—Dr. Jeffrey Singer, New York Daily News, 3 Jan. 2026
There’s also the trio of Jay Kelly, Sentimental Value, and Marty Supreme — all of which, in their own way, are cautionary tales about what not to do as a father.
—Nate Jones, Vulture, 2 Jan. 2026
Cahill agrees, and offers a cautionary note.
—Colleen Sullivan, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Dec. 2025
The flood would become a cautionary tale of trying to control the natural order of water and gravity that carved the Central Valley through the heart of California.
—Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 23 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cautionary
warning
Adjective
-
The bureau also will post more warning notices at 750 livestock sale facilities and review other potential changes to federal regulations.—
SCOTT SONNER,
Star Tribune,
27 July 2021
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In response, statistical authorities around the world could do little but issue warning press releases.—
Andrew Whitby,
Time,
17 Apr. 2020
Cite this Entry
“Cautionary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cautionary. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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