caution 1 of 2

Definition of cautionnext
as in to warn
to give notice to beforehand especially of danger or risk the doctor cautioned that I should still be careful using my sprained wrist for the next several days

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caution

2 of 2

noun

1
2
as in wonder
something extraordinary or surprising how she manages to drive her car without destroying the neighborhood is a caution

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3
as in warning
something that tells of approaching danger or risk this is just a caution that the following paragraph practically gives away the entire plot of the movie

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4
5
as in precaution
a measure taken to preclude loss or injury the standard caution of donning surgical gloves before performing any kind of dental work

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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 caution
Verb
But Yarbo is not for the faint of heart, Moloughney cautioned. Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 27 Jan. 2026 Reeves cautioned residents from traveling or leaving their homes as severe cold continues throughout the week. Helen Graham, NBC news, 26 Jan. 2026
Noun
Both hospitals urged Indianapolis residents to exercise caution if traveling and to dress themselves and their children appropriately for the weather. Jen Guadarrama, IndyStar, 26 Jan. 2026 City officials asked those who could remain home to do so and for those who do have to drive to go slowly, exercise caution and give themselves extra time to get to their destination safely. Jordan Green, Memphis Commercial Appeal, 26 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for caution
Recent Examples of Synonyms for caution
Verb
  • Temperatures in some areas will drop to minus minus 22 degrees Fahrenheit, the State Emergency Service warned.
    AAMER MADHANI AND SUSIE BLANN THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, Arkansas Online, 30 Jan. 2026
  • But Michael warned the new structure is vulnerable to Hamas manipulation, with the group likely to exploit any new setup.
    Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 30 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The state police Troop H barracks are nearby but prudence suggested assigning a State Police trooper to the building would be best way to provide an immediate response to a problem.
    Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 24 Jan. 2026
  • Action is delayed in the name of prudence.
    Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • An evening of short plays by Louisville writers that spark wonder, challenge convention, and reflect the heart and diversity of our region.
    Kirby Adams, Louisville Courier Journal, 29 Jan. 2026
  • The writer of these lines wonders if going after, unearthing, and capturing family secrets and issues on film isn’t emotionally draining.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 29 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Authorities previously issued warnings after multiple people reported animal sightings near the hotel the day before, according to Jam Press.
    Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Rather than simply issuing audible or visual warnings, the car may adjust cabin lighting, seat position, climate control, or gradually come to a complete stop automatically.
    Peter Lyon, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Tisch said as a precaution, the NYPD will be increasing security around houses of worship across all five boroughs.
    Naveen Dhaliwal, CBS News, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Wind chills as low as -11 degrees are expected, which can result in hypothermia without proper precautions.
    Lillian Metzmeier, Louisville Courier Journal, 29 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The technology uses sound to detect gunfire and alerts police departments to the area of that sound.
    Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 12 Jan. 2026
  • Police alerted her of the break-ins on Sunday morning.
    Dennis Valera, CBS News, 12 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Organizations can benefit by valuing carefulness and concentration not as an obligation, but as a fundamental pillar of success.
    Heather V. MacArthur, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026
  • Just as essential a consideration as carefulness for committee members, though, is speed.
    Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 26 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Luckily, a miracle came to me in the form of a workhorse concealer.
    Melony Forcier, InStyle, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Other sertanejo and agronejo artists content themselves with promoting agrobusiness interests through their lyrics, praising industrial farming and the miracle of pesticides.
    Carolina Abbott Galvão, The Dial, 6 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Caution.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/caution. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.

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