cautious

adjective

cau·tious ˈkȯ-shəs

Synonyms of cautious next

: careful about avoiding danger or risk

cautious investors

cautious optimism

cautiously adverb

cautiousness noun

Choose the Right Synonym for cautious

cautious, circumspect, wary, chary 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

circumspect suggests less fear and stresses the surveying of all possible consequences before acting or deciding.

circumspect in his business dealings

wary emphasizes suspiciousness and alertness in watching for danger and cunning in escaping it.

keeps a wary eye on the competition

chary implies a cautious reluctance to give, act, or speak freely.

chary of signing papers without having read them first

Examples of cautious in a Sentence

Any cautious tourist will guard her passport. You cannot be overly cautious when you're driving in snow. He answered the question with a cautious reply.

Recent Examples on the Web

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.

However, few Republicans view the economy as excellent or good, marking a cautious optimism amidst ongoing economic concerns. —

Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 13 Feb. 2025 Forest have been more cautious with loans in the 2024-25 season. —

The Athletic Uk Staff, The Athletic, 13 Feb. 2025 Experts are cautious about making predictions, given the many legal and political factors at play. —

Asaf Elia-Shalev, Sun Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2025 The sticky inflation data is likely to make the central bank even more cautious. —

Scott Horsley, NPR, 12 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for cautious