1
as in cautious
having or showing a close attentiveness to avoiding danger or trouble
careful drivers slow down on slick or icy roadways
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in meticulous
taking, showing, or involving great care and effort
that furniture maker was known to be a most careful worker, so his output was small
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of careful
This means being careful with things like routines, travel patterns, and even the visibility of family members for on-air talent—especially older parents.
—
Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 13 Feb. 2026
Limiting Saturn enters your 2nd House of Resources and Self-Worth, encouraging careful budgets and sturdy values.
—Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2026
The analyst sees Mitek’s margins growing based on the company’s scaling of its business alongside its careful cost management.
—Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 13 Feb. 2026
The brothers are careful to frame Pijama not as the sole solution but as part of a broader movement toward improving access.
—Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for careful
Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 13 Feb. 2026
Limiting Saturn enters your 2nd House of Resources and Self-Worth, encouraging careful budgets and sturdy values.
—Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2026
The analyst sees Mitek’s margins growing based on the company’s scaling of its business alongside its careful cost management.
—Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 13 Feb. 2026
The brothers are careful to frame Pijama not as the sole solution but as part of a broader movement toward improving access.
—Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for careful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for careful
Adjective
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Be cautious about taking on new debt that assumes your current income is guaranteed.—
Matt Shumer,
Fortune,
11 Feb. 2026
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Connecticut education leaders are expressing cautious optimism as the state Department of Education tries its hand at course development.—
Theo Peck-Suzuki,
Hartford Courant,
11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The music was intimidating—funk and bebop, Afro-Caribbean—but Don was patient, somehow both meticulous and mellow.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
13 Feb. 2026
-
Reznor has always been meticulous about structure.—
Théoden Janes,
Charlotte Observer,
11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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But some experts on gun violence are still wary of endorsing the program.—
Max Saltman,
CNN Money,
15 Feb. 2026
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The stock market has soared in anticipation of lavish public spending, but bond markets remain wary.—
Jeff Kingston,
Time,
15 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Those places were unregulated, untaxed and, typically, not particularly conscientious about checking ID.—
Teri Sforza,
Oc Register,
6 Feb. 2026
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Many states are new enacting or widening already broad religious and conscientious exemptions.—
Richard Hughes IV,
STAT,
12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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That is why staying alert after breach reports matters.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
10 Feb. 2026
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Without it, even the tiredest body stays alert.—
Reem Raouda,
CNBC,
8 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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It’s backed by nearly 7,500 glowing five-star reviews from guac-loving Amazon shoppers who praise the ProKeeper for its effectiveness, size, and easy-to-clean design.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
15 Feb. 2026
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With the right support and encouragement, Heily has the potential to continue thriving, growing her creativity, and building strong connections with a loving, permanent family.—
MARE Staff,
Boston Herald,
15 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The cases placed a spotlight on homeschooling, but some advocates said that homeschool parents are largely highly diligent about educating their children and should not be penalized for the other cases.—
Christopher Keating,
Hartford Courant,
8 Feb. 2026
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The diligent work of our law enforcement partners time and again uncovers those attempting to hide behind a computer screen.—
Doug Myers,
CBS News,
6 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Careful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/careful. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
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