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 why forecasters think Powell sent a cautious message about lowering rates in the near term: Powell noted that while the labor market is at the Fed’s target of full employment - with unemployment at just 4.1% - inflation, at 2.7%, is still above the 2% goal. Paul Davidson, USA Today, 31 July 2025 However, market watchers told CNBC that while the euro may have further to weaken in the short term — particularly as the Federal Reserve remains cautious on reducing interest rates — several factors could restore its upward momentum, particularly heading into 2026. Jenni Reid, CNBC, 31 July 2025 While more than half of respondents want to pump the brakes on the deal, 49% showed a blend of cautious optimism and intrigue. Sandy Mazza, The Tennessean, 31 July 2025 Trump seized on the latest data to renew pressure on Fed Chair Jerome Powell to slash interest rates — the central bank, however, has adopted a cautious approach and is expected to hold rates steady Wednesday. Natasha Bracken, semafor.com, 30 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for cautious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cautious
Adjective
  • However, realizing these benefits demands careful tool selection, integration, oversight and governance.
    John Arsneault, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
  • Both pranking and writing are exercises in careful observation.
    Katie Yee July 25, Literary Hub, 25 July 2025
Adjective
  • Judge, always wary of self-congratulation, downplayed his contributions.
    Brendan Kuty, New York Times, 25 July 2025
  • Safeties will be wary of the 221-pounder, enhancing Herbert’s long-ball options.
    Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 July 2025
Adjective
  • That posting actually references a much older threat, one that was first flagged by the FBI public service announcement, alert number I-091223-PSA, way back in September 2023.
    Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025
  • Remain alert for flooding even in locations not receiving rain.
    Andrew Ford, AZCentral.com, 22 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Cautious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cautious. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on cautious

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