Definition of cautiousnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective cautious contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of cautious are chary, circumspect, and wary. While all these words mean "prudently watchful and discreet in the face of danger or risk," cautious implies the exercise of forethought usually prompted by fear of danger.

a cautious driver

When is it sensible to use chary instead of cautious?

The synonyms chary and cautious are sometimes interchangeable, but chary implies a cautious reluctance to give, act, or speak freely.

chary of signing papers without having read them first

When can circumspect be used instead of cautious?

While the synonyms circumspect and cautious are close in meaning, circumspect suggests less fear and stresses the surveying of all possible consequences before acting or deciding.

circumspect in his business dealings

Where would wary be a reasonable alternative to cautious?

Although the words wary and cautious have much in common, wary emphasizes suspiciousness and alertness in watching for danger and cunning in escaping it.

keeps a wary eye on the competition

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 cautious Until now, the People’s Bank of China has been telegraphing a cautious approach to monetary easing after delivering a single 10 basis-point reduction to the policy interest rate in 2025. Bloomberg News, Bloomberg, 9 Mar. 2026 When traversing over ridges and up drainages, cautious backcountry skiers check the angle of slopes around them using a tool called an inclinometer. Sacbee.com, 9 Mar. 2026 Be especially cautious in school zones and watch for children and the flashing lights of school buses. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 9 Mar. 2026 The reasons for this cautious response are many, ranging from the precarious diplomatic implications of the conflict, disruptions to its energy security, and the embarrassing implications of allowing an ally to be destroyed. Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 8 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cautious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cautious
Adjective
  • Be careful when handling debris that may have blown into your yard.
    KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT, Kansas City Star, 15 Mar. 2026
  • Adjust a subscription or renegotiate a small fee, then record the change, because tracking progress reinforces confidence and protects your careful planning.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 14 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The analysis showed the elder Khamenei was wary of his son, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, ever taking power because he was perceived as not very bright, and was viewed as unqualified to be leader, according to sources.
    Jennifer Jacobs, CBS News, 15 Mar. 2026
  • Caldwell is also wary about a second-half effort from Democrats to push stricter greenhouse gas emissions-reduction standards.
    Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 15 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • In a news release shared on social media, the Bell Police Department urged residents to stay alert due to an increase in reports related to the crime, which sees the suspects following their victims after cash is withdrawn.
    Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 16 Mar. 2026
  • Remain alert for a possible tornado!
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 16 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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