CIRCUMSPECTION Synonyms: 39 Similar and Opposite Words

circumspection

noun

Definition of circumspection

as in carefulness

a close attentiveness to avoiding danger circumspection is always good when considering charging someone with cheating

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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 circumspection There’s much more circumspection in Alan than people give him credit for. — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 4 Sep. 2025 And so, in this department, a certain degree of circumspection is the rule. — Nick Pinkerton, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025 This circumspection was by design. — Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 11 Feb. 2026 His quiet tone is not shyness or false modesty but circumspection and a sense of boundaries that imply respect and love for real communication. — Los Angeles Times, 4 Mar. 2026 Taking over a large country ought to be done with circumspection and consensus, not the self-aggrandizement and demagoguery of a massive personality disorder. — John Brummett, Washington Post, 7 Jan. 2026 The higher the production value, the faster the host is talking, and the more likely the kinetic nature of the video is to send your nervous system into full-on seizure mode, the more likely the information delivered is to be viewed with a certain level of circumspection. — Paul Cappiello, Louisville Courier Journal, 12 Dec. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for circumspection

Noun

This carefulness is clearly strategic.

— Gary Sernovitz, New Yorker, 15 June 2026
There was no carefulness in it.

— Zack Meisel, New York Times, 1 May 2026

Definition of carefulness

Noun

But water also carries the potential for danger, and parents who have lost a child to drowning are begging families to use caution.

— Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 3 July 2026
The boil-water notice was issued out an abundance of caution, the LADWP said, as additional testing is being done and samples collected.

— Seamus Bozeman Follow, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026

Definition of caution

Noun

But not necessarily the knowledge, confidence or contacts to take it to next stage of monetization, strike collaborative partnerships or exercise operational prudence.

— Gaurav Sharma, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
Considering there were only 33 appearances this past season, such Heat prudence hardly could be viewed as insulting.

— Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 20 June 2026

Definition of prudence

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circumspect

circumspection

circumspectly

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“Circumspection.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/circumspection. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of circumspection

noun

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