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

Synonym Chooser

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 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 careful Julie is already on the pill; Mark, to be extra careful, puts on a condom. —

Elizabeth Kolbert, The New Yorker, 13 Jan. 2025 The researchers were careful to communicate their results as pertaining specifically to educational attainment. —

Shoumita Dasgupta, The Conversation, 13 Jan. 2025 What was the point of their careful data-gathering, their complex models, their intricate theories if no one was going to listen to their advice anyway? —

Ben Casselman, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2025 Dab with blotting papers to remove excess oil, being careful not to irritate skin. —

Mark Gurarie, Health, 1 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for careful

Recent Examples of Synonyms for careful

Adjective

Bowles has similar schemes to take away hot throws in his blitz package, so Daniels must be cautious of throwing to hots in the middle of the field.

Ted Nguyen, The Athletic, 10 Jan. 2025
The Fed can afford to be cautious because the job market has remained strong.

Ben Casselman, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2025