1
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
2
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of careful
So the Sloanes started being a bit more careful.
—
Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 23 May 2026
While the tax system doesn’t stop for grief, a careful process can make the months after a death less chaotic, less expensive, and less likely to produce painful surprises.
—Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 23 May 2026
Be very careful when removing your gloves, shoes, and garments, and wash them immediately.
—Caroline Biggs, Martha Stewart, 23 May 2026
The importance of school and learning and being careful and gentle with animals and other people and their feelings.
—Amy Amatangelo, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for careful
Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 23 May 2026
While the tax system doesn’t stop for grief, a careful process can make the months after a death less chaotic, less expensive, and less likely to produce painful surprises.
—Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 23 May 2026
Be very careful when removing your gloves, shoes, and garments, and wash them immediately.
—Caroline Biggs, Martha Stewart, 23 May 2026
The importance of school and learning and being careful and gentle with animals and other people and their feelings.
—Amy Amatangelo, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for careful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for careful
Adjective
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Long periods of high gas prices (of which the tax is a small piece) do seem to produce higher transit ridership, a shift to more fuel-efficient or electric vehicles, and more cautious choices about living far from work and amenities.—
Henry Grabar,
The Atlantic,
27 May 2026
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The more a decision requires navigating ambiguity rather than optimizing a clear objective, the more cautious organizations should be in delegating it to AI, and the more AI needs to be augmented by human experience, judgment, and deep expertise.—
Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2026
Adjective
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Blending meticulous research with dramatization, the movie spotlights behind-the-scenes tensions among rival forecasters and the trauma of the disastrous rehearsal Exercise Tiger.—
Emily Zemler,
Los Angeles Times,
29 May 2026
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The execution was meticulous, with every detail crafted to reflect the real product while adding a playful twist.—
Jay Deutsch,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2026
Adjective
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Sony has been wary of committing to such an expensive undertaking in a market that is in flux and more challenging than ever.—
Paul Tassi,
Forbes.com,
23 May 2026
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An adviser to Becerra’s campaign, Michael Bustamante, said in April that Becerra would likely support an increase in the state’s production incentive, but would be wary of making the program unlimited, which could easily run into the billions of dollars.—
Gene Maddaus,
Variety,
22 May 2026
Adjective
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Initially it was sold only online and through a network of 5,000 influential—and conscientious—hair salons.—
Pamela N. Danziger,
Forbes.com,
25 May 2026
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Or a group of high-minded, dutiful, quite-conscientious California voters?—
Gustavo Arellano,
Los Angeles Times,
15 May 2026
Adjective
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The Athletic reported last month that Everton will assess their options in the striker position this summer and be alert to potential opportunities.—
Patrick Boyland,
New York Times,
25 May 2026
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At the time the alert system was activated, investigators believed the kids were in extreme danger, ABC affiliate WJCL reported.—
Bailey Richards,
PEOPLE,
23 May 2026
Adjective
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With her gentle demeanor, Suzette is sure to bring warmth and joy to any loving home.—
Maryanne Dell,
Oc Register,
23 May 2026
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However, true luxury is—or should be—about taking time, connecting with people, learning, laughing, and loving.—
Natalie Stoclet,
Forbes.com,
22 May 2026
Adjective
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There’s yet another reason to be diligent with your daily SPF.—
Kara Nesvig,
Allure,
14 May 2026
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In the end, after a monthslong investigation and diligent forensic work, partial remains of 70 of the 110 victims were identified and returned to family members who, to this day, carry the pain of that day in 1996.—
Hank Tester,
CBS News,
12 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Careful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/careful. Accessed 30 May. 2026.
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