overcautious

Definition of overcautiousnext

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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overcautious
Adjective
  • Football is a physical sport, one where an athlete can’t play scared, timid, being cautious, and needs to give his all on every snap.
    Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026
  • Min-ji now understands more about her father’s past and motivations, and no longer sees him as a timid man who would rather bow than fight.
    Kayti Burt, Time, 27 July 2026
Adjective
  • Partners and distributors are being more cautious because Anta prefers a direct-to-consumer model, Hoeld said.
    Cathrin Schaer, Footwear News, 31 July 2026
  • While inflation remains volatile across countries, influencing cautious planning, salary increases are relatively high compared to pre-pandemic norms.
    John M. Bremen, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Adjective
  • Baldur is more circumspect, irked at having temporarily lost his boat in the mishap, and unsettled by Helge’s teasing manner, which could be interpreted as either adversarial or flirtatious.
    Dennis Harvey, Variety, 26 July 2026
  • Jackson is not a clinical finisher, and his composure in front of goal is often circumspect.
    Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 21 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Overcautious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overcautious. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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