CAREFUL Synonyms: 115 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'careful' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of careful are meticulous , punctilious , and scrupulous . While all these words mean "showing close attention to detail," careful implies attentiveness and cautiousness in avoiding mistakes. // a careful worker

Q: When can 'meticulous' be used instead of 'careful'?

Although the words meticulous and careful have much in common, meticulous may imply either commendable extreme carefulness or a hampering finicky caution over small points. // meticulous scholarship

Q: When could 'punctilious' be used to replace 'careful'?

The words punctilious and careful are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, punctilious implies minute, even excessive attention to fine points. // punctilious observance of ritual

Q: In what contexts can 'scrupulous' take the place of 'careful'?

While in some cases nearly identical to careful , scrupulous applies to what is proper or fitting or ethical. // scrupulous honesty

careful

adjective

ˈker-fəl

Definition of careful next

as in cautious

having or showing a close attentiveness to avoiding danger or trouble careful drivers slow down on slick or icy roadways

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in meticulous

taking, showing, or involving great care and effort that furniture maker was known to be a most careful worker, so his output was small

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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How is the word careful different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of careful are meticulous, punctilious, and scrupulous. While all these words mean "showing close attention to detail," careful implies attentiveness and cautiousness in avoiding mistakes.

a careful worker

When can meticulous be used instead of careful?

Although the words meticulous and careful have much in common, meticulous may imply either commendable extreme carefulness or a hampering finicky caution over small points.

meticulous scholarship

When could punctilious be used to replace careful?

The words punctilious and careful are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, punctilious implies minute, even excessive attention to fine points.

punctilious observance of ritual

In what contexts can scrupulous take the place of careful?

While in some cases nearly identical to careful, scrupulous applies to what is proper or fitting or ethical.

scrupulous honesty

Examples Sentences

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Recent Examples of careful And even if such a move was sanctioned, careful consideration would be given to who the 20-year-old Republic of Ireland international No 9 would be allowed to join in order for the club not to suffer a competitive disadvantage against a rival. —

Andy Naylor, The Athletic, 26 Dec. 2024 The Eagles might be a bit careful with Hurts, who will need to remain healthy for when the team heads to the playoffs. —

Andy Biggs, Newsweek, 25 Dec. 2024 And be careful about self-medicating to get to sleep, Brown says. —

Jamie Ducharme, TIME, 23 Dec. 2024 This reasoning should imply, at the least, careful scrutiny of those in charge of public forces, particularly of the secretaries of homeland security and of defense, the attorney general and the director of the FBI. —

George Liebmann, Baltimore Sun, 22 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for careful

Recent Examples of Synonyms for careful

Adjective

Travelers should be cautious, especially along major highways like Interstate 90 and 35, as conditions could remain hazardous.

Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 23 Dec. 2024
Of course, outdoor activities in cold climates require precautions, including dressing appropriately, staying hydrated, being cautious on icy trails, and pacing oneself.

Irene S. Levine, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024