Synonym Chooser

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 The inflation risk from tariffs ensured the central bank would take a more cautious approach, according to House. Jessica Dickler, CNBC, 19 Mar. 2025 Cryptocurrency The cryptocurrency market continues to waver along with stocks as investors turn cautious on risky assets. Medora Lee, USA TODAY, 18 Mar. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for cautious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cautious
Adjective
  • Be careful when handling debris that may have blown into your yard.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 27 Mar. 2025
  • My 23-year-old BMW received the same careful attention as my brand new premium cars, and the PURE PPF now provides it with those same protective, anti-aging benefits. Follow me on Twitter or LinkedIn.
    Karl Brauer, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Be wary of positions that don’t require interviews or specific qualifications.
    Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
  • There is, however, one aspect of DOGE that the American people should be wary of that few are talking about: its impassioned deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) to take the reins of the federal government.
    Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The man appeared alert, yelling and craning his head as he was hoisted into the vehicle.
    Dakota Smith, Los Angeles Times, 30 Mar. 2025
  • Here's a breakdown of the three-tiered alert system from the NWS and what each level entails: High wind warning: Take action!
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 30 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Cautious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cautious. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.

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