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

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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

Examples of careful in a Sentence

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Recent Examples on the Web And a lot more careful, at least in terms of who says what when. —

Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 4 Nov. 2024 Just be careful not to let your enthusiasm override your tact — Mars in Leo loves the drama! —

Valerie Mesa, People.com, 3 Nov. 2024 Executives have been careful with hiring and have discontinued less popular AWS services. —

Jordan Novet, CNBC, 2 Nov. 2024 Yet, the hype must be balanced with careful governance and thoughtful investment strategies. —

Brian Walker, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for careful

Recent Examples of Synonyms for careful

Adjective

Be aware of unconscious bias: Language fluency often leads to higher status in teams, but managers should be cautious of letting this override other important factors like expertise, creativity and insight.

IESE Business School, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024
Beta-blockers are not appropriate for everyone, and there are some groups of people who should be cautious when taking them.41 People with diabetes because these medications can mask the symptoms of low blood sugar like shakiness or fast heartbeat.

Sara Hoffman, PharmD, Verywell Health, 22 Oct. 2024