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

Synonym Chooser

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

Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of careful But Tong said that careful consideration about how to spend the opioid settlement funds is a reflection of past criticism about how another big pot of money had been used: tobacco settlement funds. —

Laura Tillman, Hartford Courant, 24 Jan. 2025 The Vikings were a little more careful, a little more efficient and a little more aggressive to pull away to a 57-47 win after trailing 36-35 entering the fourth quarter. —

Christian Babcock, The Mercury News, 24 Jan. 2025 From general manager Kyle Davidson on down, the Blackhawks are always careful not to criticize Jones. —

Scott Powers, The Athletic, 14 Jan. 2025 But be careful when scrolling, as the answers are at the end of the article. —

John Mac Ghlionn, Newsweek, 14 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for careful

Recent Examples of Synonyms for careful

Adjective

Still, the Dodgers plan to be cautious with the right-hander at the outset of the 2025 season.

— Kristen Waggoner, Newsweek, 21 Jan. 2025
People who are pregnant should be cautious, as flaxseeds might have mild hormonal effects.

— Johna Burdeos, Health, 20 Jan. 2025