Definition of precautionnext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 precaution During offseason workouts, Mahomes participated in individual drills, installs and 7-on-7 periods but was held out of 11-on-11 work as a precaution, per Reid’s update. Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 18 June 2026 For many cruisers, flying in the day before embarkation is a wise precaution. David Nikel, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026 Heat index values will be between 105 and 112 degrees, leading to dangerous heat if precautions are not taken, the National Weather Service said. Natassia Paloma, USA Today, 18 June 2026 Lewis agrees and even suggests installing reflective window film as an additional precaution. Ashley Chalmers, The Spruce, 17 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for precaution
Recent Examples of Synonyms for precaution
Noun
  • Reducing capital would heighten risks for depositors and taxpayers in future financial crises, as robust capital buffers are essential safeguards.
    Mayra Rodriguez Valladares, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026
  • The group issued a point-by-point analysis of the memorandum, criticizing it for potentially freeing up tens of billions of dollars for Iran without putting sufficient safeguards to ensure the country won’t use the money to fund operations against the United States.
    Joey Garrison, USA Today, 19 June 2026
Noun
  • In addition to making anti-vaccine comments, Kennedy also downplayed pediatric deaths related to measles and touted false cures and preventives, such as the use of vitamin A.
    Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 8 June 2026
  • 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
Noun
  • The Supreme Court decided in 2014 that inherited IRAs do not qualify as retirement funds for purposes of federal bankruptcy protection, as beneficiaries cannot make new contributions and are often required to take distributions from the account.
    Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 15 June 2026
  • But Larsen said shipping lines also need clarity on matters such as keeping ships a safe distance from each other and naval protection.
    Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 15 June 2026
Noun
  • In the hours after the shootings, law enforcement officials and event organizers urged people not to attend planned rallies out of an abundance of caution, after No Kings flyers were found in Vance Boelter's vehicle.
    Jason Rantala, CBS News, 15 June 2026
  • Stock markets surged and oil prices plummeted after Washington and Tehran reached a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, though analysts voiced caution over the agreement’s prospects.
    Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 15 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Precaution.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/precaution. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on precaution

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster