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
The Statesman reported on their overpopulation last year, serving as a cautionary tale for what can happen when a non-native species gets introduced to the environment.
—
Hannah Smith
july 1,
Idaho Statesman,
1 July 2026
In a cautionary tale of what can happen when overloading a young talent, however, injuries severely blighted Ansu’s legacy at the Spotify Camp Nou.
—
Tom Sanderson,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2026
For Melissa Gilbert, the death of her former costar Daveigh Chase is a cautionary tale.
—
Edward Segarra,
USA Today,
30 June 2026
History offers a cautionary tale about what happens when movements turn inward.
—
Jeffrey Sonnenfeld,
Time,
28 June 2026
The other hotel, which reopened after a brief closure, now serves as a cautionary tale.
—
Jakob Rodgers,
Mercury News,
25 June 2026
Instead, what really appears to be happening is yet another cautionary tale about AI digesting incorrect information and parroting it back to users uncritically.
—
Frank Landymore,
Futurism,
25 June 2026
Hopefully, these three will be among the final cautionary tales of poor draft decisions.
—
Sam Vecenie,
New York Times,
24 June 2026
Yet Schwartz’s books were nothing more than cautionary tales and retellings of old urban legends written in a way for a young brain to digest and get excited about—god forbid kids like a good story!
—
Spin Team,
SPIN,
22 June 2026
Hannah Smith
july 1,
Idaho Statesman,
1 July 2026
In a cautionary tale of what can happen when overloading a young talent, however, injuries severely blighted Ansu’s legacy at the Spotify Camp Nou.
—
Tom Sanderson,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2026
For Melissa Gilbert, the death of her former costar Daveigh Chase is a cautionary tale.
—
Edward Segarra,
USA Today,
30 June 2026
History offers a cautionary tale about what happens when movements turn inward.
—
Jeffrey Sonnenfeld,
Time,
28 June 2026
The other hotel, which reopened after a brief closure, now serves as a cautionary tale.
—
Jakob Rodgers,
Mercury News,
25 June 2026
Instead, what really appears to be happening is yet another cautionary tale about AI digesting incorrect information and parroting it back to users uncritically.
—
Frank Landymore,
Futurism,
25 June 2026
Hopefully, these three will be among the final cautionary tales of poor draft decisions.
—
Sam Vecenie,
New York Times,
24 June 2026
Yet Schwartz’s books were nothing more than cautionary tales and retellings of old urban legends written in a way for a young brain to digest and get excited about—god forbid kids like a good story!
—
Spin Team,
SPIN,
22 June 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.
-
In response, statistical authorities around the world could do little but issue warning press releases.
Cite this Entry
“Cautionary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cautionary. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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