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
  • Suki, a vocal Black woman with an at times vulgar persona, whereas Althoff, a white woman, gained a reputation as an awkward, seemingly timid interviewer on her The Really Good Podcast.
    Meagan Jordan, VIBE.com, 10 July 2026
  • But looked at another way, Caine and other generals are being overly timid and deferential, in part because Pete Hegseth demands it.
    Missy Ryan, The Atlantic, 10 July 2026
Adjective
  • At a time when global fashion is navigating economic uncertainty, shifting supply chains and cautious consumer spending, one country is making an unmistakably confident statement.
    Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
  • Those with underlying health conditions like asthma, COPD, heart disease, diabetes, chronic kidney disease or who are pregnant need to be extra cautious about breathing in wildfire smoke.
    ABC News, ABC News, 17 July 2026
Adjective
  • The speech that followed created the perception of her as a firebrand, but those who have followed her career closely have found a more circumspect figure.
    Tom Kludt, Vanity Fair, 17 July 2026
  • The Argentinean star, for his part, is apolitical and circumspect—a significant departure from Maradona, who had a famous friendship with Fidel Castro.
    Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 16 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Overcautious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overcautious. Accessed 23 Jul. 2026.

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