Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective circumspect contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of circumspect are cautious, chary, and wary. While all these words mean "prudently watchful and discreet in the face of danger or risk," circumspect suggests less fear and stresses the surveying of all possible consequences before acting or deciding.

circumspect in his business dealings

When could cautious be used to replace circumspect?

The words cautious and circumspect can be used in similar contexts, but cautious implies the exercise of forethought usually prompted by fear of danger.

a cautious driver

When is chary a more appropriate choice than circumspect?

While the synonyms chary and circumspect are close in meaning, chary implies a cautious reluctance to give, act, or speak freely.

chary of signing papers without having read them first

In what contexts can wary take the place of circumspect?

The words wary and circumspect are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 circumspect Although Harris earned a reputation as guarded and circumspect, the book has the tone of someone who is finished biting her tongue. Chris Megerian, Fortune, 19 Sep. 2025 Democratic hopes Kyle Kondik, managing editor of Sabato’s Crystal Ball, another nonpartisan group that studies House races, was more circumspect. David Lightman, Sacbee.com, 15 Sep. 2025 Wicks’ modest-but-devoted flock includes devout church lady Martha Delacroix (Close), circumspect groundskeeper Samson Holt (Church), tightly-wound lawyer Vera Draven, Esq. Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 8 Sep. 2025 The fact that McCrory and Cicero-Hamlin were close was apparent to acquaintances, although some said the two were circumspect about a relationship. Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 17 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for circumspect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for circumspect
Adjective
  • Several prominent business leaders have already voiced cautious optimism, seeing in Mamdani a chance to reset the relationship between City Hall and commerce.
    Sally Susman, Time, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Taking the long view Many finance leaders remain cautious, viewing bitcoin as too volatile—especially recently—compared to traditional assets.
    Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Those same records also showed that the only other purchases of BAM in the state of Colorado had been from the Colorado Parks and Wildlife agency and the National Parks Service — both of which maintained careful records of any use of the drug, per the indictment.
    Chris Spargo, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2025
  • Be careful when handling debris that may have blown into your yard.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 30 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Most Venezuelans who spoke to CNN in Caracas were wary of sharing their opinions publicly.
    Stefano Pozzebon, CNN Money, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Republicans, meanwhile, remain wary of voting to extend the additional Obamacare subsidies, said Rodney Whitlock, a vice president at the McDermott+ consultancy who was a longtime congressional staffer and advises on health care policy.
    Sydney Lake, Fortune, 5 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Circumspect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/circumspect. Accessed 7 Nov. 2025.

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