precaution

noun

pre·​cau·​tion pri-ˈkȯ-shən How to pronounce precaution (audio)
Synonyms of precaution
1
: care taken in advance : foresight
warned of the need for precaution
2
: a measure taken beforehand to prevent harm or secure good : safeguard
take the necessary precautions
precautionary
pri-ˈkȯ-shə-ˌner-ē How to pronounce precaution (audio)
adjective

Synonyms of precaution

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Examples of precaution in a Sentence

Be sure to follow the usual safety precautions when cooking outdoors. When driving, she always wears her seatbelt as a precaution. Every home owner should take precautions against fire. She took the precaution of packing extra medicine for the trip.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
How to stay safe during a heat wave Health experts recommend taking extra precautions during an extreme heat warning to lessen the impact of the heat. — Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 27 July 2026 Residents are urged to take precautions as the high risk remains throughout the summer. — Vanessa Etienne, PEOPLE, 27 July 2026 Families hoping to enjoy outdoor summer activities for many students’ last week of summer break should prepare for the heat and take precautions. — Taylor Croft, AJC.com, 26 July 2026 The precautions appear to work; despite wading into swarms of ticks every day for years, Roden-Reynolds has never developed alpha-gal. — Andy Lewis, HollywoodReporter, 25 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for precaution

Word History

Etymology

French précaution, from Late Latin praecaution-, praecautio, from Latin praecavēre to guard against, from prae- + cavēre to be on one's guard — more at hear

First Known Use

1599, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of precaution was in 1599

Rhymes for precaution

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Browse Nearby Words

precatory words
precaution
precautionary
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Cite this Entry

“Precaution.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/precaution. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

precaution

noun
pre·​cau·​tion pri-ˈkȯ-shən How to pronounce precaution (audio)
1
: care taken in advance : foresight
2
: a measure taken beforehand to prevent harm or to bring about a good result
take precautions against fire
precautionary
-shə-ˌner-ē How to pronounce precaution (audio)
adjective

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Nglish: Translation of precaution for Spanish Speakers

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