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—
Esquire
EsquireSynonyms
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 WebZachary Schermele, USA TODAY, 21 Oct. 2024
Very often, a gunner isn't sure about exactly which ammunition will be needed on a particular mission, so erring on the side of caution means loading up with more than one kind in the feed belt, just in case an armor-piercing round is needed instead of shrapnel.
—David Szondy, New Atlas, 20 Oct. 2024
Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2024
While turnout numbers look strong for Republicans, political experts have cautioned against trying to extrapolate election results from a single voting method.
—Audrey Fahlberg, National Review, 23 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for caution 
Noun
Last month, Murphy compiled a tracker using data from many selective schools – a tool that has many disclaimers and notes of caution to users.
—Zachary Schermele, USA TODAY, 21 Oct. 2024
Very often, a gunner isn't sure about exactly which ammunition will be needed on a particular mission, so erring on the side of caution means loading up with more than one kind in the feed belt, just in case an armor-piercing round is needed instead of shrapnel.
—David Szondy, New Atlas, 20 Oct. 2024
Verb
Hickey cautioned that the market might experience a slight pullback after November’s U.S. presidential election.
—Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2024
While turnout numbers look strong for Republicans, political experts have cautioned against trying to extrapolate election results from a single voting method.
—Audrey Fahlberg, National Review, 23 Oct. 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 4 Nov. 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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