Definition of carefulnext
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Synonym Chooser

How is the word careful different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of careful are meticulous, punctilious, and scrupulous. While all these words mean "showing close attention to detail," careful implies attentiveness and cautiousness in avoiding mistakes.

a careful worker

When can meticulous be used instead of careful?

Although the words meticulous and careful have much in common, meticulous may imply either commendable extreme carefulness or a hampering finicky caution over small points.

meticulous scholarship

When could punctilious be used to replace careful?

The words punctilious and careful are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, punctilious implies minute, even excessive attention to fine points.

punctilious observance of ritual

In what contexts can scrupulous take the place of careful?

While in some cases nearly identical to careful, scrupulous applies to what is proper or fitting or ethical.

scrupulous honesty

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 careful Be careful in your approach, then, but not overly cautious either. Matt Richardson, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026 Be careful not to let someone else manipulate you or use guilt or jealousy as a technique. Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 3 Apr. 2026 Be careful when handling debris that may have blown into your yard. Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 3 Apr. 2026 On one side are those who treat AI as a powerful but sometimes faulty service that needs careful human oversight and review to detect reasoning or factual flaws in responses. Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 3 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for careful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for careful
Adjective
  • Be cautious of calls or emails claiming to be from your bank asking for verification or urgent action.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Be cautious — but don’t write off rattlesnakes as vicious, the experts say.
    Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Soderbergh extracts some fun from the ensuing cat-and-mouse logistics, from Lori’s meticulous duplication of the Christophers to Julian’s efforts to bluff her into admitting her true intentions.
    Justin Chang, New Yorker, 3 Apr. 2026
  • The Astor family were the defining dynasty of New York's Gilded Age, and that spirit of grandeur and meticulous hosting has traveled with the brand ever since.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Be wary of those who push for your cash without offering sufficient collateral or payback plans.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 30 Mar. 2026
  • In comparison, the US has adopted a warier stance towards OpenClaw and other AI tools.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 29 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • This conscientious engagement is well-suited for futures, which often reward market awareness and preparation.
    Wyles Daniel, Sacbee.com, 24 Mar. 2026
  • The retreat’s quiet atmosphere and conscientious design reflect their belief in the restorative powers of simplicity, reflection, and connection with nature.
    Kelsey Eisen, Robb Report, 19 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Anyone hoping on the CTA knows to be alert, but over the weekend, one passenger on the train left passengers, not to mention those driving along the Dan Ryan, stunned.
    Jermont Terry, CBS News, 31 Mar. 2026
  • AccuWeather warns that residents across the risk zone should stay alert for shifting forecasts, watches and warnings as conditions evolve.
    Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, Daniel is choosing to remember Allison as a loving individual who spent her last moments taking care of her friend in need.
    Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 29 Mar. 2026
  • Audrey Jones described her brother — who left behind two children — as loving, kind and compassionate.
    Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Some reviewers are unhappy with slow results — but Hers products are most effective when used consistently for a minimum of three months, and there’s no way of knowing how diligent these reviewers were.
    Rebecca Strong, USA Today, 25 Mar. 2026
  • Herzog depicts the bushmen who aid Boyes as dignified, diligent and intelligent without romanticizing them while capturing the rugged beauty of the African landscape.
    Stuart Miller, Los Angeles Times, 24 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Careful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/careful. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

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