Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective cautious contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of cautious are chary, circumspect, and wary. While all these words mean "prudently watchful and discreet in the face of danger or risk," cautious implies the exercise of forethought usually prompted by fear of danger.

a cautious driver

When is it sensible to use chary instead of cautious?

The synonyms chary and cautious are sometimes interchangeable, but chary implies a cautious reluctance to give, act, or speak freely.

chary of signing papers without having read them first

When can circumspect be used instead of cautious?

While the synonyms circumspect and cautious are close in meaning, circumspect suggests less fear and stresses the surveying of all possible consequences before acting or deciding.

circumspect in his business dealings

Where would wary be a reasonable alternative to cautious?

Although the words wary and cautious have much in common, wary emphasizes suspiciousness and alertness in watching for danger and cunning in escaping it.

keeps a wary eye on the competition

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 cautious Pervasive unemployment, new tariffs and cautious consumers still add up to a precarious environment. Megan Poinski, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025 But Judge Hammock remained cautious, explaining the legal hurdles ahead. Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 9 Sep. 2025 Amid recession fears, many companies are being particularly cautious about hiring, Paulson says. Sophie Caldwell, CNBC, 9 Sep. 2025 Tamu, on the other hand, is more cautious and reserved and likes to stay close to Saba. Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cautious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cautious
Adjective
  • Both coaches and players have been respectful of the other team all week, careful not to produce any bulletin board material.
    Tom Murphy, Arkansas Online, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Ben Lewis Doherty, playing a boy named Sam whose life is upended by Robbie, is the show’s greatest innocent, a softhearted moppet who warns deer to be careful when crossing the street.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Consumers who have already grown weary of the rising cost of living, such as higher utility bills, are also wary of potential price increases from higher tariffs, Furman said.
    Melissa Repko, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Researchers caution consumers to be wary of misleading advertising on cereal boxes and to check nutrition labels.
    Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Aim to exercise outdoors during daylight hours, if possible, and stay alert to your surroundings for safety.
    Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 8 Sep. 2025
  • That said, since Steal a Brainrot lives on a platform that may pose dangers to kids, parents should stay alert.
    Annabelle Canela, Parents, 5 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Cautious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cautious. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

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