CIRCUMSPECT Synonyms: 63 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of circumspect are cautious , chary , and wary . While all these words mean "prudently watchful and discreet in the face of danger or risk," circumspect suggests less fear and stresses the surveying of all possible consequences before acting or deciding. // circumspect in his business dealings

Q: When could 'cautious' be used to replace 'circumspect'?

The words cautious and circumspect can be used in similar contexts, but cautious implies the exercise of forethought usually prompted by fear of danger. // a cautious driver

Q: When is 'chary' a more appropriate choice than 'circumspect'?

While the synonyms chary and circumspect are close in meaning, chary implies a cautious reluctance to give, act, or speak freely. // chary of signing papers without having read them first

Q: In what contexts can 'wary' take the place of 'circumspect'?

The words wary and circumspect are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, wary emphasizes suspiciousness and alertness in watching for danger and cunning in escaping it. // keeps a wary eye on the competition

circumspect

adjective

ˈsər-kəm-ˌspekt

Definition of circumspect next

as in cautious

having or showing a close attentiveness to avoiding danger or trouble she has a reputation for being quiet and circumspect in investigating charges of child abuse

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How does the adjective circumspect contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of circumspect are cautious, chary, and wary. While all these words mean "prudently watchful and discreet in the face of danger or risk," circumspect suggests less fear and stresses the surveying of all possible consequences before acting or deciding.

circumspect in his business dealings

When could cautious be used to replace circumspect?

The words cautious and circumspect can be used in similar contexts, but cautious implies the exercise of forethought usually prompted by fear of danger.

a cautious driver

When is chary a more appropriate choice than circumspect?

While the synonyms chary and circumspect are close in meaning, chary implies a cautious reluctance to give, act, or speak freely.

chary of signing papers without having read them first

In what contexts can wary take the place of circumspect?

The words wary and circumspect are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, wary emphasizes suspiciousness and alertness in watching for danger and cunning in escaping it.

keeps a wary eye on the competition

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 circumspect Though there are some indications that Russia and Ukraine might come to the negotiating table, Peskov was circumspect about the US’s role in making that happen. —

Ellen Ioanes, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018 Others are more circumspect, especially given the golden era of high-value international acquisitions is gone. —

Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 18 Oct. 2024 Netflix plans to add signature flourishes to its live broadcasts of two Christmas Day NFL games, but remains circumspect about paying billions for major sports rights. —

Dade Hayes, Deadline, 20 Sep. 2024 Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic was more circumspect. —

Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 24 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for circumspect

Recent Examples of Synonyms for circumspect

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
Until now, federal banking regulators have tried hard to keep crypto confined to its own world by encouraging banks to take a cautious approach in dealing with crypto businesses and discouraging them from holding any crypto assets on their balance sheets.

John Cassidy, The New Yorker, 9 Dec. 2024