CIRCUMSPECT Synonyms: 63 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

circumspect

adjective

ˈsər-kəm-ˌspekt

Definition of circumspect next

as in cautious

having or showing a close attentiveness to avoiding danger or trouble she has a reputation for being quiet and circumspect in investigating charges of child abuse

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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

Examples of circumspect in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web And neither pol has been exactly circumspect in their disdain for the other. —

Philip Elliott, TIME, 10 Sep. 2024 Some key modules that control and integrate brain activity are less circumspect than others in their doings. —

Max Bertolero, Scientific American, 1 July 2019 She’s been equally circumspect about the ethics controversies dogging the court, including revelations that Justice Clarence Thomas failed to disclose receiving millions of dollars' worth of free luxury trips and other gifts. —

Maureen Groppe, USA TODAY, 5 Sep. 2024 Roskilde University epidemiologist Lone Simonsen agrees, but is circumspect about boosting in younger, healthy people. —

Byjon Cohen, science.org, 21 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for circumspect

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'circumspect.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.