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

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 circumspect An additional presumption is that people might decide to be more circumspect about alcohol because of spending a month without it. —

Lance Eliot, Forbes, 3 Jan. 2025 But in comments to Time on Nov. 25, Trump was more circumspect about his ability to bring down the cost of groceries. —

Brett Samuels, The Hill, 29 Dec. 2024 Although Blue Origin was - like SpaceX - created during the early days of the new millennium, its founder and designers have been much more circumspect in advancing and unveiling new prototypes - mysteriously without the pyrotechnics that accompany most early-stage rockets. —

Kevin Holden Platt, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024 Players with lower rankings and less income — both from prize money, and the sponsorship deals that come with success — can’t afford to be as circumspect as the top players. —

Charlie Eccleshare, The Athletic, 9 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for circumspect

Recent Examples of Synonyms for circumspect

Adjective

Experts are cautious about making predictions, given the many legal and political factors at play.

— Asaf Elia-Shalev, Sun Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2025
Forest have been more cautious with loans in the 2024-25 season.

— The Athletic UK Staff, The Athletic, 13 Feb. 2025