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 This group includes many millennial and Gen X staffers, who may escape the careful eye of bosses looking to nurture talent elsewhere. —

Christiaan Hetzner, Fortune, 29 Nov. 2024 Making a perfect roast turkey requires attention to detail, careful preparation, and some essential techniques to ensure the bird is juicy, flavorful, and golden brown. —

Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 28 Nov. 2024 Be careful with shopping too late at night, however, since many stores might have, by that time, sold out of some holiday deal items. —

Zach Bradshaw, The Arizona Republic, 27 Nov. 2024 These things make Istanbul a great place to get high-quality hair transplants at low prices, but patients need to be careful to avoid secret risks. —

Ethan Stone, Journal Sentinel, 20 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for careful

Recent Examples of Synonyms for careful

Adjective

By recommending a cautious approach, Decentralized Masters enabled its members to make informed decisions in a volatile market.

Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 10 Dec. 2024
This fear of financial insecurity can lead to a more cautious approach to work, where individuals prioritize stability and mental health over traditional notions of hard work.

Vikram Joshi, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024