1
: warning, admonishment
Her comments were intended as a caution to us to protect our property.
2
: precaution
a surgeon taking the caution of sterilizing his instruments
3
: prudent forethought to minimize risk
Use caution when operating a chain saw.
4
: one that astonishes or commands attention
some shoes you see … these days are a caution—
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Examples of caution in a Sentence
Noun
You should use caution when operating the electric saw.
He injected a note of caution in his talk.
Her financial adviser urged caution before investing in the project.
The roads are slippery: drive with extreme caution.
Her comments were intended as a caution to us to protect our property.
A note of caution: be sure that the electricity is off before you install the ceiling fan.
She was given a caution by the magistrate.
Verb
Officials are cautioning that the war may continue for years.
“Don't decide too quickly,” she cautioned.
He was cautioned for speeding.
Recent Examples on the WebMichael Santoli, CNBC, 28 Sep. 2024
Barkin’s caution stands in contrast to some of his fellow Fed policymakers who have expressed more urgency about rate cuts.
—Christiaan Hetzner, Fortune, 27 Sep. 2024
Alex Weprin, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Sep. 2024
The concept isn’t necessarily guaranteed to be completed, these people cautioned.
—Brian Steinberg, Variety, 28 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for caution 
Noun
John Kolovos, chief technical market strategist at Macro Risk Advisors, is sticking with his call for the S & P 500 to work higher to 6000, up 4-5% from here, though the overlay of caution has his attention, as well.
—Michael Santoli, CNBC, 28 Sep. 2024
Barkin’s caution stands in contrast to some of his fellow Fed policymakers who have expressed more urgency about rate cuts.
—Christiaan Hetzner, Fortune, 27 Sep. 2024
Verb
One source cautioned that the special is seen as a one-time thing and not necessarily a harbinger of future plans.
—Alex Weprin, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Sep. 2024
The concept isn’t necessarily guaranteed to be completed, these people cautioned.
—Brian Steinberg, Variety, 28 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for caution
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'caution.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Caution.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/caution. Accessed 2 Oct. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
caution
1 of 2 noun
cau·tion
ˈkȯ-shən 
1
2
: carefulness in regard to danger
3
: someone or something that astonishes or catches one's attention
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