as in careful
having or showing a close attentiveness to avoiding danger or trouble
a cautious approach to everyday living
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in carefulness
a close attentiveness to avoiding danger
the cautiousness of drivers on the icy roadways was largely responsible for the accident-free day
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Iman Balagam, Vogue, 30 May 2025
The result is that much of this rising inventory remains idle on the market, and sellers are increasingly being forced to lower prices to attract cautious buyers.
—Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 May 2025
Given how the harrowing images and videos from Gaza are galvanizing world opinion, Mr. Levy predicted that Mr. Starmer might be forced to cast aside his cautious approach.
—Mark Landler, New York Times, 29 May 2025
Macy’s just beat first-quarter earnings expectations but cut its 2025 guidance because of tariffs and cautious consumer spending.
—Quartz Staff, Quartz, 29 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for cautious
Adjective
Just be cautious if your skin is sensitive—its intensity means a little goes a long way.
—Iman Balagam, Vogue, 30 May 2025
The result is that much of this rising inventory remains idle on the market, and sellers are increasingly being forced to lower prices to attract cautious buyers.
—Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 May 2025
Given how the harrowing images and videos from Gaza are galvanizing world opinion, Mr. Levy predicted that Mr. Starmer might be forced to cast aside his cautious approach.
—Mark Landler, New York Times, 29 May 2025
Macy’s just beat first-quarter earnings expectations but cut its 2025 guidance because of tariffs and cautious consumer spending.
—Quartz Staff, Quartz, 29 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for cautious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cautious
Adjective
-
Watch out for slippery roads: Be extra careful during the first half hour after rain begins.—
Bay Area Weather Report,
Mercury News,
7 June 2025
-
Be careful to avoid spraying plants with oils during hot, sunny weather.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
6 June 2025
Adjective
-
The pattern has left Iranians wary that any sign of instability is met with brutal suppression.—
Efrat Lachter,
FOXNews.com,
6 June 2025
-
Does the entertainment industry have a right to be wary of AI at this stage?—
Diana Lodderhose,
Deadline,
4 June 2025
Noun
-
The club is exercising extreme caution with the 24-year-old Mauricio.—
Abbey Mastracco,
New York Daily News,
30 May 2025
-
Out of an abundance of caution, Hormel Foods is voluntarily recalling 17,080 cases of a single code date of 20 oz.—
Jasmine Laws,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 May 2025
Adjective
-
There’s nothing wrong with using technology to meet immediate emotional needs, but leaders should stay alert to the longer-term tradeoff.—
Dr. Diane Hamilton,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
-
The advisory ranks Italy at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution, which recommends travelers stay alert to possibly heightened risk.—
Katie Nadworny,
Travel + Leisure,
3 June 2025
Noun
-
But, as stated above with any Kevin Durant possibilities, pick prudence certainly does have to be part of any Heat transaction machinations going forward.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
9 May 2025
-
Nonprofit plans, by contrast, often operate under strict reserve requirements, regulatory constraints and cultural norms that prioritize prudence over growth.—
Sachin H. Jain,
Forbes.com,
7 May 2025
Noun
-
The center provides counseling, drop-in respite care, and community resource navigation under its mental health program.—
Olivia Cyrus,
Sacbee.com,
8 June 2025
-
Under the plan, families earning $100,000 or less would pay nothing for child care starting in 2028, as it would be paid by the endowment, lawmakers said.—
Christopher Keating,
Hartford Courant,
8 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Cautious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cautious. Accessed 15 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share