as in timid
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
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 overcautious
The uncomfortable truth is that finance leaders are repeating the exact same pattern of overcautious adoption that cost them months of competitive advantage with generative AI.
—
David Zwick, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
The record’s riveting narrative and political conscience stood out in an age of generic radio fare and overcautious stars.
—Holden Seidlitz, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2025
In this light, district actions reflect concern for the future — which supporters see as prudent and critics as overcautious.
—Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2024
Or, at least, overcautious, overwatchful young men and women.
—Han Ong, The New Yorker, 9 Jan. 2023
And yet, since the spring of 2021, pundits have mocked people who continue to think this way for being irrational and overcautious, and government officials have consistently framed COVID as a matter of personal responsibility.
—Ed Yong, The Atlantic, 30 Sep. 2022
Be overcautious and a perfectly clear day goes to waste; be too bold and put the performers, audience and equipment at risk.
—Abby Carney, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2021
Beyond its rejection of militia involvement, the United States has also been criticized for overcautious use of air strikes and for its slow and insufficient delivery of military equipment to Iraqi armed forces.
—Nussaibah Younis, Foreign Affairs, 7 Oct. 2015
David Zwick, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
The record’s riveting narrative and political conscience stood out in an age of generic radio fare and overcautious stars.
—Holden Seidlitz, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2025
In this light, district actions reflect concern for the future — which supporters see as prudent and critics as overcautious.
—Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2024
Or, at least, overcautious, overwatchful young men and women.
—Han Ong, The New Yorker, 9 Jan. 2023
And yet, since the spring of 2021, pundits have mocked people who continue to think this way for being irrational and overcautious, and government officials have consistently framed COVID as a matter of personal responsibility.
—Ed Yong, The Atlantic, 30 Sep. 2022
Be overcautious and a perfectly clear day goes to waste; be too bold and put the performers, audience and equipment at risk.
—Abby Carney, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2021
Beyond its rejection of militia involvement, the United States has also been criticized for overcautious use of air strikes and for its slow and insufficient delivery of military equipment to Iraqi armed forces.
—Nussaibah Younis, Foreign Affairs, 7 Oct. 2015
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overcautious
Adjective
-
That might sound too timid in 2026, too reserved for a time when rights are being rolled back every day, and Gauthier recorded a much more direct version of the song late last year.—
Stephen Deusner,
SPIN,
15 June 2026
-
And despite a timid political opening that has allowed the return of several opposition leaders and the emergence of others from hiding, over 400 political prisoners remain in custody as of May 25, according to figures compiled by the NGO Foro Penal.—
Alfredo Meza,
CNN Money,
14 June 2026
Adjective
-
Katz was cautious about the European enthusiasm.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
17 June 2026
-
Some analysts are even more cautious.—
Faith Wakefield,
USA Today,
16 June 2026
Adjective
-
During the press conference announcing the FOMC's decision, Warsh highlighted what economists expect to be a major shift in the Fed's communication practices, including more circumspect policy statements and less forward guidance.—
Aimee Picchi,
CBS News,
17 June 2026
-
While Democratic leaders officially threw their support behind Platner after Mills halted her campaign, many of them remained circumspect about him.—
Philissa Cramer,
Sun Sentinel,
15 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Overcautious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overcautious. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
