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 Here's a breakdown on how births, deaths and migration all played a role — and why one expert is celebrating the gain, but remains cautious. Elissa Robinson, Freep.com, 28 Jan. 2026 Pincus has students in the Twin Cities, and his advice is to be cautious in areas where immigration agents and protesters are present. John Diedrich, jsonline.com, 28 Jan. 2026 Mills and manufacturers are responding to this cautious consumer mindset with product development that offers something shoppers don’t already own. Sarah Jones, Sourcing Journal, 28 Jan. 2026 Osborne has been deliberately cautious in how Conga positions AI for precisely this reason. Alexander Puutio, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cautious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cautious
Adjective
  • Drivers were advised to be careful in the snow, as there were problems on area roadways.
    Adam Harrington, CBS News, 25 Jan. 2026
  • Publicly, both leaders had maintained careful language about Syria’s transition, emphasizing concerns for minority rights, human rights standards, and the need for inclusive governance.
    Güney Yıldız, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Hamilton, wary of France’s descent into chaos and its aggressive wars, contended that treaties are contracts with specific regimes, not eternal bonds irrespective of change.
    Daniel Ross Goodman, The Washington Examiner, 9 Jan. 2026
  • As measles outbreaks flared up across the US last year, causing a record number of cases, Scott Thorpe kept a wary eye on Spartanburg County, South Carolina.
    Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • While investors remain alert for any signs that the bubble is about to burst, most analysts continue to see meaningful adoption.
    Karl Freund, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
  • The child, who was alert and conscious, was taken to Norton Children’s Hospital, Sears said.
    Caroline Neal, Louisville Courier Journal, 23 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Cautious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cautious. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.

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