Synonyms of cautionary

cautionary

adjective

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• warning
• admonitory
• premonitory
• punitive
• admonishing
• monitory
• cautioning
• exemplary
• didactic
• moralistic
• advisory
• moralizing
• counseling
• punishing

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of cautionary

The filmmaker said there’s a cautionary element to the Reckoning story, examining the dark side of celebrity worship. — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 8 July 2026

However, cautionary words from the medical establishment seem to have done little to quench the public's appetite for these therapies, which have not undergone the large-scale trials needed to gain approval from the Food and Drug Administration. — Will Stone, NPR, 8 July 2026

The margin between the inspiring version of this story and the cautionary one was about twenty-four hours. — Alli Kushner, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026

When employees returned to the office Wednesday, those who worked on the fourth and seventh floors, which are directly above and below the areas under renovation, were moved to different spots inside the building as a cautionary measure. — Miceala Morano, Arkansas Online, 8 July 2026

The agonizing legal circus surrounding Sumner Redstone’s final years at Paramount/Viacom is a sobering cautionary tale. — Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 6 July 2026

The Statesman reported on their overpopulation last year, serving as a cautionary tale for what can happen when a non-native species gets introduced to the environment. — Hannah Smith july 1, Idaho Statesman, 1 July 2026

For Melissa Gilbert, the death of her former costar Daveigh Chase is a cautionary tale. — Edward Segarra, USA Today, 30 June 2026

History offers a cautionary tale about what happens when movements turn inward. — Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 28 June 2026