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
The cautionary tales are bottomless, from Reading and Blackburn Rovers’ respective demotions in England two seasons ago to FC Girondins de Bordeaux and ASJ Soyaux in France, who this year were forced to collapse due to structural vulnerabilities.
—
Megan Feringa, New York Times, 27 May 2026
Some have served as a cautionary tale.
—New Atlas, 26 May 2026
There is also a cautionary finding worth considering alongside these.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 24 May 2026
History provides a cautionary tale.
—Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 19 May 2026
Rehearsals for a Revolution is a cautionary tale about speaking up in a place where rebellion can cost you your livelihood, and quite possibly your life.
—Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 17 May 2026
Three months in which Liu, one of figure skating’s most high profile cautionary tales, has transcended her sport to achieve pop icon status.
—Scott M. Reid, Oc Register, 13 May 2026
This disaster serves as a cautionary tale and comes as the kingdom is facing further uncertainty caused by the war in Iran, a conflict that has spilled over to other countries in the region.
—Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 13 May 2026
Megan Feringa, New York Times, 27 May 2026
Some have served as a cautionary tale.
—New Atlas, 26 May 2026
There is also a cautionary finding worth considering alongside these.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 24 May 2026
History provides a cautionary tale.
—Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 19 May 2026
Rehearsals for a Revolution is a cautionary tale about speaking up in a place where rebellion can cost you your livelihood, and quite possibly your life.
—Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 17 May 2026
Three months in which Liu, one of figure skating’s most high profile cautionary tales, has transcended her sport to achieve pop icon status.
—Scott M. Reid, Oc Register, 13 May 2026
This disaster serves as a cautionary tale and comes as the kingdom is facing further uncertainty caused by the war in Iran, a conflict that has spilled over to other countries in the region.
—Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 13 May 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 3 Jun. 2026.
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