CAUTIOUS Synonyms: 63 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'cautious' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of cautious are chary , circumspect , and wary . While all these words mean "prudently watchful and discreet in the face of danger or risk," cautious implies the exercise of forethought usually prompted by fear of danger. // a cautious driver

Q: When is it sensible to use 'chary' instead of 'cautious'?

The synonyms chary and cautious are sometimes interchangeable, but chary implies a cautious reluctance to give, act, or speak freely. // chary of signing papers without having read them first

Q: When can 'circumspect' be used instead of 'cautious'?

While the synonyms circumspect and cautious are close in meaning, circumspect suggests less fear and stresses the surveying of all possible consequences before acting or deciding. // circumspect in his business dealings

Q: Where would 'wary' be a reasonable alternative to 'cautious'?

Although the words wary and cautious have much in common, wary emphasizes suspiciousness and alertness in watching for danger and cunning in escaping it. // keeps a wary eye on the competition

cautious

adjective

ˈkȯ-shəs

Definition of cautious next

as in careful

having or showing a close attentiveness to avoiding danger or trouble a cautious approach to everyday living

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the adjective cautious contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of cautious are chary, circumspect, and wary. While all these words mean "prudently watchful and discreet in the face of danger or risk," cautious implies the exercise of forethought usually prompted by fear of danger.

a cautious driver

When is it sensible to use chary instead of cautious?

The synonyms chary and cautious are sometimes interchangeable, but chary implies a cautious reluctance to give, act, or speak freely.

chary of signing papers without having read them first

When can circumspect be used instead of cautious?

While the synonyms circumspect and cautious are close in meaning, circumspect suggests less fear and stresses the surveying of all possible consequences before acting or deciding.

circumspect in his business dealings

Where would wary be a reasonable alternative to cautious?

Although the words wary and cautious have much in common, wary emphasizes suspiciousness and alertness in watching for danger and cunning in escaping it.

keeps a wary eye on the competition

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 cautious Ben Chaplin portrays producer Marvin Bader, frequently at odds with both the initially cautious Mason and the never-doubtful Arledge. —

Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune, 17 Jan. 2025 Yet, 90% of more traditional leaders are cautious, limiting experimentation and waiting for genAI to move beyond the hype. —

Brian Solis, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025 What impact that will have on the company remains unclear, but investors were taking a slightly cautious stance and sent shares of PVH down 1.5 percent to $97.56 in morning trading on Thursday. —

Evan Clark, WWD, 16 Jan. 2025 The Federal Reserve is right to be cautious and see how all of these factors play out in 2025. —

Harry Holzer, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for cautious

Recent Examples of Synonyms for cautious

Adjective

Bass has employed a more careful and conciliatory tone.

— Julia Wick, Los Angeles Times, 25 Jan. 2025
Leopold cautioned immigrants of any religious, national or ethnic background to be careful traveling.

— Pioneer Press, Chicago Tribune, 25 Jan. 2025