as in to warn
to give notice to beforehand especially of danger or risk
the doctor cautioned that I should still be careful using my sprained wrist for the next several days
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in prudence
a close attentiveness to avoiding danger
the extreme caution with which the zookeeper handled the snake
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in wonder
something extraordinary or surprising
how she manages to drive her car without destroying the neighborhood is a caution
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in warning
something that tells of approaching danger or risk
this is just a caution that the following paragraph practically gives away the entire plot of the movie
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in advice
the act or an instance of telling beforehand of danger or risk
we heeded the police officer's caution about the road ahead
Synonyms & Similar Words
5
as in precaution
a measure taken to preclude loss or injury
the standard caution of donning surgical gloves before performing any kind of dental work
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 caution
Kristi Miller, Twin Cities, 10 Aug. 2025
While potatoes contain nutrients such as fiber, vitamin C and potassium, recent research has cautioned that their high glycemic index, which causes blood sugar spikes, and the various ways they're cooked could have negative health impacts.
—Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 9 Aug. 2025
Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 8 Aug. 2025
Take Care When Burning Candles In Bathrooms A beautiful scented candle is a lovely way to enjoy a relaxing bath—but take special caution when burning a candle in a bathroom.
—Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for caution
Verb
The agency cautions anyone in the red alert area and sensitive groups in its orange alert area to reduce outdoor physical activities, take more breaks and avoid intense activities to reduce exposure.
—Kristi Miller, Twin Cities, 10 Aug. 2025
While potatoes contain nutrients such as fiber, vitamin C and potassium, recent research has cautioned that their high glycemic index, which causes blood sugar spikes, and the various ways they're cooked could have negative health impacts.
—Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 9 Aug. 2025
Noun
Though a word of caution, Dr. Shirazi warns against overdoing it.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 8 Aug. 2025
Take Care When Burning Candles In Bathrooms A beautiful scented candle is a lovely way to enjoy a relaxing bath—but take special caution when burning a candle in a bathroom.
—Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for caution
Recent Examples of Synonyms for caution
Verb
-
Publishers and digital-leaders warn these assurances mask a troubling reality.—
Charlie Fink,
Forbes.com,
7 Aug. 2025
-
Users on Reddit have warned of Feel Free’s addictive properties, also sharing experiences that include skin infections, seizures, suicidal ideations, hospitalizations and intense withdrawal symptoms.—
Melissa Rudy,
FOXNews.com,
7 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
This is emblematic of transit leaders’ lack of fiscal prudence.—
Micky Horstman,
Chicago Tribune,
13 Aug. 2025
-
While investor excitement may be high, prudence is advisable.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
6 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Alves devoted part of that speech to the wonders of this country by providing the blessings of freedom and opportunity to people like him.—
Kevin Rennie,
Hartford Courant,
16 Aug. 2025
-
The solipsism of low self-esteem is one of the wonders of the human psyche.—
Vivian Gornick,
New Yorker,
16 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
The impact of this early warning was, by all accounts, extraordinary.—
Gabrielle Emanuel,
NPR,
13 Aug. 2025
-
By the end of July, The Wall Street Journal and CNN reported that Trump had received a warning from Attorney General Pam Bondi that his name appeared in Epstein's criminal investigation files.—
Jolene Almendarez,
The Enquirer,
13 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Be mindful outdoors: Take extra precautions when working or spending time outside. Find the right time: Consider rescheduling strenuous activities to early morning or evening if possible. Familiarize yourself with warning signs: Know the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
18 Aug. 2025
-
As temperatures eclipsed 95 degrees in Kansas City, the Royals took careful precautions to contend with the heat advisory.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
17 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Authorities say the investigation began with a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited children, which alerted authorities in Contra Costa to suspicious online activity at Vannucci’s home.—
Nate Gartrell,
Mercury News,
7 Aug. 2025
-
Customers must agree to keep their delivery area clear of people and pets The Walmart app alerts a customer when their cart reaches the drone delivery weight and volume limits.—
Steve Banker,
Forbes.com,
7 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
There were just a lot of miracles along the way that allowed this to be made.—
Zac Ntim,
Deadline,
8 Aug. 2025
-
Miranda stays calm throughout, which is sort of a miracle, but the interesting thing here is Joy’s reaction.—
Maggie Fremont,
Vulture,
8 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
These services include research, analysis, advising, consulting, benchmarking, acquisition matchmaking and video and speaking sponsorships.—
Patrick Moorhead,
Forbes.com,
8 Aug. 2025
-
With more than two decades of experience, Rodriguez advises studios, streamers and independent producers on how to effectively position and market projects to diverse global audiences.—
Natalie Oganesyan,
Deadline,
7 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Caution.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/caution. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share