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 Officials were warning people to be cautious on the roads as authorities across multiple counties assessed the damage. CBS News, 7 July 2025 The trend has been met with cautious optimism from officials, who point to the end of the COVID-19 pandemic and a flurry of government policies as contributing factors. Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 July 2025 But the central bank has turned cautious this year. arkansasonline.com, 4 July 2025 The prospect of higher inflation even as present data looks mild has led to a staredown between the Fed, which has advocated for a cautious approach on cutting interest rates in case tariffs do worsen inflation, and Trump, who has aggressively called for big cuts. Derek Saul, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for cautious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cautious
Adjective
  • In reality, Israel overpowered Iran’s military and outwitted its intelligence with stunning efficiency, demonstrating years, if not decades, of careful preparation in under two weeks.
    Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • If allowed, Andrew will likely bring further reputational damage to the monarchy at a time when the royal ship needs a careful steer.
    Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • But for investors who are wary of the susceptibility of Argos’s sales to the unpredictable nature of the weather, the team is ramping up its efforts to expand its products to include stockless ranges.
    John Choong, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Be wary of mailbox communications: Bad actors may also try to scam you through snail mail.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 28 June 2025
Adjective
  • This can overwhelm analysts and lead to alert fatigue.
    Bhupendra Singh, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • The National Weather Service on Sunday posted an alert warning of elevated levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in the atmosphere because of wildfire smoke.
    Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Cautious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cautious. Accessed 13 Jul. 2025.

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