as in warning
serving as or offering a warning
the story of King Midas is a cautionary tale about the perils of wishing for something—you just might get it
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Recent Examples of cautionary
Once again, this feels like a cautionary tale of trying to build something in the live space that no one asked for that doesn’t break enough new ground.
—
Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 20 May 2026
History provides a cautionary tale.
—Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 19 May 2026
Rehearsals for a Revolution is a cautionary tale about speaking up in a place where rebellion can cost you your livelihood, and quite possibly your life.
—Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 17 May 2026
Three months in which Liu, one of figure skating’s most high profile cautionary tales, has transcended her sport to achieve pop icon status.
—Scott M. Reid, Oc Register, 13 May 2026
This disaster serves as a cautionary tale and comes as the kingdom is facing further uncertainty caused by the war in Iran, a conflict that has spilled over to other countries in the region.
—Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 13 May 2026
No one in Firstman’s script is reduced to a victim or cautionary tale, least of all Firstman.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 13 May 2026
Still, residents say what has happened here is a cautionary tale for other communities around the country hoping to cash in on the warehouse boom.
—Justin Mayo, New York Times, 12 May 2026
Still, history offers cautionary tales.
—Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 12 May 2026
Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 20 May 2026
History provides a cautionary tale.
—Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 19 May 2026
Rehearsals for a Revolution is a cautionary tale about speaking up in a place where rebellion can cost you your livelihood, and quite possibly your life.
—Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 17 May 2026
Three months in which Liu, one of figure skating’s most high profile cautionary tales, has transcended her sport to achieve pop icon status.
—Scott M. Reid, Oc Register, 13 May 2026
This disaster serves as a cautionary tale and comes as the kingdom is facing further uncertainty caused by the war in Iran, a conflict that has spilled over to other countries in the region.
—Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 13 May 2026
No one in Firstman’s script is reduced to a victim or cautionary tale, least of all Firstman.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 13 May 2026
Still, residents say what has happened here is a cautionary tale for other communities around the country hoping to cash in on the warehouse boom.
—Justin Mayo, New York Times, 12 May 2026
Still, history offers cautionary tales.
—Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 12 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cautionary
warning
Adjective
-
The bureau also will post more warning notices at 750 livestock sale facilities and review other potential changes to federal regulations.—
SCOTT SONNER,
Star Tribune,
27 July 2021
-
In response, statistical authorities around the world could do little but issue warning press releases.—
Andrew Whitby,
Time,
17 Apr. 2020
Cite this Entry
“Cautionary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cautionary. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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