as in safeguard
a measure taken to preclude loss or injury
as parents of young children, they have taken the usual precaution of locking up their household cleansers
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Recent Examples of precaution
Cold conditions may damage or kill sensitive crops, plants, and vegetation if appropriate precautions are not taken.
—
Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 19 Feb. 2026
This precaution minimizes electrical hazards during flooding.
—Southern California Weather Report, Daily News, 18 Feb. 2026
As spring progresses, the Dodgers will continue to dial them up with precaution, especially at the start of the season when more hands on deck are required because some pitchers are still building up their stamina.
—Anthony Solorzano, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2026
These precautions help reduce the risk of electrical surges, as lightning can follow conductive pathways.
—Southern California Weather Report, Oc Register, 18 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for precaution
Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 19 Feb. 2026
This precaution minimizes electrical hazards during flooding.
—Southern California Weather Report, Daily News, 18 Feb. 2026
As spring progresses, the Dodgers will continue to dial them up with precaution, especially at the start of the season when more hands on deck are required because some pitchers are still building up their stamina.
—Anthony Solorzano, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2026
These precautions help reduce the risk of electrical surges, as lightning can follow conductive pathways.
—Southern California Weather Report, Oc Register, 18 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for precaution
Recent Examples of Synonyms for precaution
Noun
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Regarding the involvement of former CEOs in institutional decision-making, Molinaroli notes that their practical insights could be tapped more frequently through diverse councils, clear mandates, and rigorous conflict-of-interest safeguards to prevent undue influence.—
Nia Bowers,
Ascend Agency,
20 Feb. 2026
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This lawsuit is a necessary constitutional safeguard.—
Chris Alexander,
New York Daily News,
20 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Padlocks, sickles and other objects made of iron, a metal said to possess anti-demonic powers, were stashed in the grave as preventives.—
Franz Lidz,
New York Times,
5 Sep. 2023
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But although human vaccines function primarily as preventives, offering immunity to animals such as black-footed ferrets can be a conservation strategy of last resort.—
Katherine J. Wu,
The Atlantic,
15 June 2023
Noun
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That the Big Apple was owned by Mora and his wife, who was Black, provided a level of protection that activists found in rare supply.—
Marc Ramirez,
USA Today,
17 Feb. 2026
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The thick wedge heel makes these a perfect day-to-night boot, and to top it off, they’re crafted from a water-repellent upper for protection from the elements.—
Sophie Dodd,
Travel + Leisure,
16 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The San Francisco Department of Emergency Management advised the public to secure loose outdoor items, watch for falling branches, and use caution while driving or walking.—
Doyle Rice,
USA Today,
17 Feb. 2026
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The fog makes travel difficult, leading the NWS to advise extra caution when on the road, or to avoid driving.—
Chad Murphy,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
16 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Precaution.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/precaution. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
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