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 Web
Michael Hanback, Outdoor Life, 7 Nov. 2024
None of the state's tabulation centers are in the scope of the power shut-offs, though PG&E also has provided backup generators there as well out of an abundance of caution.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
Vinamrata Chaturvedi, Quartz, 7 Nov. 2024
Professor Dixon, however, cautions that the weather's effect on turnout may be modest.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for caution 
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.
Noun
In an abundance of caution to prevent the spread of chronic wasting disease, 12 states prohibit the use of natural deer urine and permit only synthetic scents.
—Michael Hanback, Outdoor Life, 7 Nov. 2024
None of the state's tabulation centers are in the scope of the power shut-offs, though PG&E also has provided backup generators there as well out of an abundance of caution.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
In the report, Kostin cautioned that a significant rise in 10-year Treasury yields could constrain any sustained rally in stock prices.
—Vinamrata Chaturvedi, Quartz, 7 Nov. 2024
Professor Dixon, however, cautions that the weather's effect on turnout may be modest.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for caution
Articles Related to caution
Dictionary Entries Near caution
Cite this Entry
“Caution.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/caution. Accessed 23 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share