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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

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 The companies, and their founders, were careful about taking investment from venture capital firms and tech luminaries, instead leaning on financing from close contacts in the art world. Angelica Villa, ARTnews.com, 13 Mar. 2025 In comments at the Morgan Stanley media conference, the Fox CEO was again extremely careful to stress that the goal is not to cannibalize linear television and Fox will not advertise it on linear television but is meant purely to capture those who cut the cord or have never subscribed to cable. Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 3 Mar. 2025 There’s potential for clarity in resolving any lingering tension, but also be careful not to speak too rashly. Valerie Mesa, People.com, 3 Mar. 2025 Gently stir in the cooked, cooled squash to coat it, being careful not to break up the squash. Patricia S York, Southern Living, 2 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for careful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for careful
Adjective
  • Some loyal Tesla bulls are treating the drop as a temporary setback (or even a buying opportunity), while more cautious investors are rethinking their exposure.
    Shahar Ziv, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
  • China's approach to Trump's second term is more cautious, with the government emphasizing that any negotiations should take place on equal terms.
    Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 10 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The meticulous breeding and careful selection that produced such extraordinary specimens highlight the craftsmanship and expertise defining today’s koi industry.
    Scott Travers, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
  • This consistency is ensured by the meticulous selection and blending process overseen by successive Cellar Masters, including the current Cellar Master, Baptiste Loiseau.
    Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Egypt is wary of the Muslim Brotherhood in which Hamas has its roots and has been fighting militant insurgents in the Sinai Peninsula, which neighbors Gaza.
    Mark Davis, Newsweek, 15 Mar. 2025
  • Cuban compared people who are wary of adopting AI tools in the workplace to those who were once afraid to embrace PCs and mobile devices.
    Tom Huddleston Jr.,Megan Sauer, CNBC, 15 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The conscientious ones showed their value through results.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
  • In Texas, parents must get an affidavit notarized to have a valid conscientious exemption for their child.
    Ciara McCarthy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Relative humidity across the alert areas is 15% to as low as 6%, and wind gusts are forecast to be between 40 and 75 mph.
    Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Google, to be fair, does a great job in keeping most of these out of harm’s way and those that do evade the security protections in place are generally quickly removed after discovery by Google itself or after researchers blow the alert whistle.
    Davey Winder, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Even if your partner is loving and dependable, trust requires vulnerability.
    Mark Travers, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2025
  • As far as Rich, 71, is concerned, Brock hasn't strayed far from his always complicated, but loving, blended family.
    Sabienna Bowman, People.com, 9 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Some brands are diligent about paying fairly and on time, while others entirely ghost after the work is done or almost offensive offer rates.
    Kristen Bousquet, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
  • Some plants germinate readily outdoors, but still need protection from critters, and diligent attention to watering and weeding.
    Erica Browne Grivas, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Careful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/careful. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

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