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
In this version of events, Easter Island is a cautionary tale of a population that destroyed itself, its island paradise, and whatever mysterious civilization had created its thousand or so stone monuments, or moai.
—
Margaret Talbot, New Yorker, 26 Jan. 2026
This positions higher education as both a cautionary tale and a proving ground for burnout-proof leadership strategies across sectors.
—Jallicia Jolly, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026
The Tech Hamiltonians see Europe as a cautionary tale.
—Walter Russell Mead, The Atlantic, 24 Jan. 2026
Newsom’s move is a cautionary hedge against a future economic downturn.
—Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 22 Jan. 2026
Other Costco shoppers provided a cautionary tale on purchasing the sweet treats.
—Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 22 Jan. 2026
In my view, this cautionary tale reveals a critical gap in how researchers engage and support people who are underrepresented in studies, including those who rely on housing assistance and other safety net programs.
—Carrie Leach, The Conversation, 20 Jan. 2026
The Golden State, where all the major studios still have HQ lots, still claims bragging rights as the top destination overall for film and TV shoots, but double digit declines even after the state’s latest incentives took effect are another cautionary sign.
—Erik Hayden, HollywoodReporter, 19 Jan. 2026
And that makes for a perhaps-too-late cautionary tale for the state of Kansas in the wake of the Chiefs’ announced intention to move into a glitzy new domed stadium there, largely furnished through billions of dollars in STAR bonds.
—Kansas City Star, 16 Jan. 2026
Margaret Talbot, New Yorker, 26 Jan. 2026
This positions higher education as both a cautionary tale and a proving ground for burnout-proof leadership strategies across sectors.
—Jallicia Jolly, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026
The Tech Hamiltonians see Europe as a cautionary tale.
—Walter Russell Mead, The Atlantic, 24 Jan. 2026
Newsom’s move is a cautionary hedge against a future economic downturn.
—Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 22 Jan. 2026
Other Costco shoppers provided a cautionary tale on purchasing the sweet treats.
—Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 22 Jan. 2026
In my view, this cautionary tale reveals a critical gap in how researchers engage and support people who are underrepresented in studies, including those who rely on housing assistance and other safety net programs.
—Carrie Leach, The Conversation, 20 Jan. 2026
The Golden State, where all the major studios still have HQ lots, still claims bragging rights as the top destination overall for film and TV shoots, but double digit declines even after the state’s latest incentives took effect are another cautionary sign.
—Erik Hayden, HollywoodReporter, 19 Jan. 2026
And that makes for a perhaps-too-late cautionary tale for the state of Kansas in the wake of the Chiefs’ announced intention to move into a glitzy new domed stadium there, largely furnished through billions of dollars in STAR bonds.
—Kansas City Star, 16 Jan. 2026
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
-
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 2 Feb. 2026.
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