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
Roth, though, cautioned investors against relying too much on that comparison. Davis Giangiulio, CNBC, 10 Mar. 2026 Measuring, analyzing, cautioning, dispensing encouragement. Literary Hub, 9 Mar. 2026
Noun
Hamlin had dominated the season finale in November until a late caution forced him to pit road and crew chief Chris Gayle had to make a choice. ABC News, 16 Mar. 2026 That task got a bit easier with about 61/2 minutes remaining when Oregonian Josh Pierson’s car stopped in Turn 2 after contact with the wall following a hip check from the entry driven by Salvador de Alba of Mexico, triggering a caution to bunch the field. John Sturbin, Dallas Morning News, 15 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for caution
Recent Examples of Synonyms for caution
Verb
  • Iran warned oil prices could surge as high as $200 a barrel.
    Bart Jansen, USA Today, 13 Mar. 2026
  • Los Angeles County public health officials issued a bacteria warning at several beaches as a potentially record-breaking heat wave arrives in Southern California.
    Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 13 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • This is not the time for fiscal prudence for the Sharks.
    Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 4 Mar. 2026
  • Davion Mitchell has been here before, the risk-reward crossroads between going full speed, shoulder first through a hard screen or practicing prudence.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 2 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Like tiny doors and geocaches, the Santa signs have an air of mystery and wonder.
    Thomas Lake, AJC.com, 12 Mar. 2026
  • The listing worried fans of the natural wonder.
    ABC News, ABC News, 12 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • By then, wind chills below freezing were expected to reach the Gulf Coast and the Florida Panhandle with warnings in effect across the Southeast and in part of Arkansas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Texas, forecasters warned.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 17 Mar. 2026
  • The warning is for Death Valley, Western Mojave Desert, Eastern Mojave Desert, Including the Mojave National Preserve, Morongo Basin and Cadiz Basin.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 17 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Until then, Wogan said police are treating the case as a potential homicide investigation out of precaution.
    Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 13 Mar. 2026
  • Take every precaution to never leave young children and pets alone in vehicles, especially in extreme heat when car interiors can quickly become hazardous.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 13 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • That section of town received evacuation alerts hours after flames threatened the area, and much later than wealthier, whiter areas of the unincorporated town.
    Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 14 Mar. 2026
  • The $38 million lawsuit alleges that Advantage Total Protection, or ATP, failed to monitor the mansion and failed to alert authorities in the event of a fire.
    Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 13 Mar. 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
  • Even then, Kerr is not expecting miracles from the 27-year-old.
    Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 15 Mar. 2026
  • Temperatures in the cockpits reportedly hit 140 degrees, transforming sleek miracles of automotive technology into 180-mph crock pots.
    Kevin Sherrington Mar. 15, Dallas Morning News, 15 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Caution.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/caution. Accessed 18 Mar. 2026.

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