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 The two fighters advanced, Ali jogging enthusiastically and Frazier plodding, cautious. Vann R. Newkirk Ii, The Atlantic, 16 Sep. 2025 Some employers are increasingly cautious, Rossman said, as tariffs have increased uncertainty and cut into profit margins. Susan Tompor, Freep.com, 15 Sep. 2025 These opening weeks to the season, especially with the England international’s injury record, required a cautious approach from Daniel Farke. Beren Cross, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025 Brands are willing, but cautious. Evan Clark, Footwear News, 15 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cautious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cautious
Adjective
  • But Eliasen is careful not to let scope creep derail initial implementations.
    Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Be careful when handling debris that may have blown into your yard.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Low days supply means vehicles are selling quickly and demand is strong, while a high days supply indicates sales are slow or dealers are carrying too much inventory—consumers may be wary.
    Michael Harley, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
  • But the Fed has been wary, concerned of triggering higher inflation.
    David Lightman, Sacbee.com, 17 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Knowing these risk factors can encourage individuals to be more alert about suicide.
    Eric Wood, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Both Stewart and Kalitta were alert and exited their cars under their own power.
    Lydia Mee, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Cautious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cautious. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on cautious

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