Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective circumspect contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of circumspect are cautious, chary, and wary. While all these words mean "prudently watchful and discreet in the face of danger or risk," circumspect suggests less fear and stresses the surveying of all possible consequences before acting or deciding.

circumspect in his business dealings

When could cautious be used to replace circumspect?

The words cautious and circumspect can be used in similar contexts, but cautious implies the exercise of forethought usually prompted by fear of danger.

a cautious driver

When is chary a more appropriate choice than circumspect?

While the synonyms chary and circumspect are close in meaning, chary implies a cautious reluctance to give, act, or speak freely.

chary of signing papers without having read them first

In what contexts can wary take the place of circumspect?

The words wary and circumspect are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, wary emphasizes suspiciousness and alertness in watching for danger and cunning in escaping it.

keeps a wary eye on the competition

Example 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 circumspect As for having an impact on the frequency and intensity of Santa Ana winds, Ting is circumspect. Scott Neuman, NPR, 8 Jan. 2025 That conclusion, supported by the highly respected and circumspect Collins, was considered heretical. Michael Barnes, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Oct. 2024 Congress almost always ultimately approves aid for areas desperately in need, and lawmakers whose states have experienced the need were more circumspect. David Lightman, Sacramento Bee, 22 Jan. 2025 Editors’ Picks 36 Hours in Barbados Economists are more circumspect. Andrew Duehren, New York Times, 17 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for circumspect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for circumspect
Adjective
  • The market remains cautious about suggesting any change could come soon.
    Lori Ann LaRocco, CNBC, 27 Feb. 2025
  • But just as smartphones and the internet are powerful tools to broaden their horizons, parents and caregivers are right to be cautious about exactly what their teens are posting on the day-to-day.
    Ella Cerón, Parents, 27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • There’s potential for clarity in resolving any lingering tension, but also be careful not to speak too rashly.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 3 Mar. 2025
  • In comments at the Morgan Stanley media conference, the Fox CEO was again extremely careful to stress that the goal is not to cannibalize linear television and Fox will not advertise it on linear television but is meant purely to capture those who cut the cord or have never subscribed to cable.
    Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 3 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Some critics on the left were wary of the administration’s employment of market logics and its tendency to treat citizens as consumers.
    Jacob Bruggeman & Casey Eilbert / Made by History, TIME, 3 Mar. 2025
  • The public is on balance wary of Musk and DOGE's access to government agency data records.
    Anthony Salvanto, CBS News, 2 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Circumspect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/circumspect. Accessed 6 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on circumspect

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