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

Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of careful Just be careful to back up and protect sensitive data on your devices before handing them in at repair shops. —

Simon Hill, WIRED, 5 Feb. 2025 Get up slowly, keep canes, walkers, and wheelchairs nearby, and be careful around pets. —

Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 3 Feb. 2025 Others commented encouraging hikers and climbers to be careful on the route, especially when hiking alone. —

Brooke Baitinger, Idaho Statesman, 3 Feb. 2025 Cathy phoned that evening, alerting me to be careful. —

David Rabe, The New Yorker, 2 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for careful

Recent Examples of Synonyms for careful

Adjective

Experts are cautious about making predictions, given the many legal and political factors at play.

— Asaf Elia-Shalev, Sun Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2025
Forest have been more cautious with loans in the 2024-25 season.

— The Athletic UK Staff, The Athletic, 13 Feb. 2025