CAUTIOUS Synonyms: 63 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'cautious' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of cautious are chary , circumspect , and wary . While all these words mean "prudently watchful and discreet in the face of danger or risk," cautious implies the exercise of forethought usually prompted by fear of danger. // a cautious driver

Q: When is it sensible to use 'chary' instead of 'cautious'?

The synonyms chary and cautious are sometimes interchangeable, but chary implies a cautious reluctance to give, act, or speak freely. // chary of signing papers without having read them first

Q: When can 'circumspect' be used instead of 'cautious'?

While the synonyms circumspect and cautious are close in meaning, circumspect suggests less fear and stresses the surveying of all possible consequences before acting or deciding. // circumspect in his business dealings

Q: Where would 'wary' be a reasonable alternative to 'cautious'?

Although the words wary and cautious have much in common, wary emphasizes suspiciousness and alertness in watching for danger and cunning in escaping it. // keeps a wary eye on the competition

cautious

adjective

ˈkȯ-shəs

Definition of cautious next

as in careful

having or showing a close attentiveness to avoiding danger or trouble a cautious approach to everyday living

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How does the adjective cautious contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of cautious are chary, circumspect, and wary. While all these words mean "prudently watchful and discreet in the face of danger or risk," cautious implies the exercise of forethought usually prompted by fear of danger.

a cautious driver

When is it sensible to use chary instead of cautious?

The synonyms chary and cautious are sometimes interchangeable, but chary implies a cautious reluctance to give, act, or speak freely.

chary of signing papers without having read them first

When can circumspect be used instead of cautious?

While the synonyms circumspect and cautious are close in meaning, circumspect suggests less fear and stresses the surveying of all possible consequences before acting or deciding.

circumspect in his business dealings

Where would wary be a reasonable alternative to cautious?

Although the words wary and cautious have much in common, wary emphasizes suspiciousness and alertness in watching for danger and cunning in escaping it.

keeps a wary eye on the competition

Examples Sentences

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 cautious Taking a cautious approach, the team felt as if long-term perspective was more important in not risking a hamstring injury for Pickens. —

Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 8 Dec. 2024 Unusual update sources Be cautious of updates that direct you to websites outside your official app store. —

Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 8 Dec. 2024 Nevertheless, others have also been urging the FCC to take a more cautious approach to expanding satellite approvals. —

Michael Kan, PCMAG, 6 Dec. 2024 According to Ann Grimmett, vice president of merchandising at Jared, the retailer takes a cautious approach to following jewelry trends, and instead focuses on offering timeless styles. —

Layla Ilchi, WWD, 4 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for cautious

Recent Examples of Synonyms for cautious

Adjective

Behind, kids are hoisted — careful with that hot chocolate!

Ron Grossman, Chicago Tribune, 15 Dec. 2024
After that, Buckley seemed more careful about positioning, doing his best to keep the action in the open while not allowing Covington to close in and work from the clinch.

Trent Reinsmith, Forbes, 15 Dec. 2024