as in timid
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 overcautious
Beyond its rejection of militia involvement, the United States has also been criticized for overcautious use of air strikes and for its slow and insufficient delivery of military equipment to Iraqi armed forces.
—
Nussaibah Younis, Foreign Affairs, 7 Oct. 2015
In this light, district actions reflect concern for the future — which supporters see as prudent and critics as overcautious.
—Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2024
And yet, since the spring of 2021, pundits have mocked people who continue to think this way for being irrational and overcautious, and government officials have consistently framed COVID as a matter of personal responsibility.
—Ed Yong, The Atlantic, 30 Sep. 2022
Or, at least, overcautious, overwatchful young men and women.
—Han Ong, The New Yorker, 9 Jan. 2023
Be overcautious and a perfectly clear day goes to waste; be too bold and put the performers, audience and equipment at risk.
—Abby Carney, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2021
Some parents said the new rules were overcautious and counterproductive.
—Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2021
But Fauci has turned into the perpetually pessimistic, overcautious, position-shifting, administration-pleasing face of the pandemic recovery.
—The Editors, National Review, 13 Apr. 2021
The risk of a dangerous vaccine reaction could be very real, if also very rare—and major European vaccine authorities have not, in fact, been overcautious, political, or innumerate in responding to this possibility.
—Hilda Bastian, The Atlantic, 30 Mar. 2021
Nussaibah Younis, Foreign Affairs, 7 Oct. 2015
In this light, district actions reflect concern for the future — which supporters see as prudent and critics as overcautious.
—Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2024
And yet, since the spring of 2021, pundits have mocked people who continue to think this way for being irrational and overcautious, and government officials have consistently framed COVID as a matter of personal responsibility.
—Ed Yong, The Atlantic, 30 Sep. 2022
Or, at least, overcautious, overwatchful young men and women.
—Han Ong, The New Yorker, 9 Jan. 2023
Be overcautious and a perfectly clear day goes to waste; be too bold and put the performers, audience and equipment at risk.
—Abby Carney, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2021
Some parents said the new rules were overcautious and counterproductive.
—Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2021
But Fauci has turned into the perpetually pessimistic, overcautious, position-shifting, administration-pleasing face of the pandemic recovery.
—The Editors, National Review, 13 Apr. 2021
The risk of a dangerous vaccine reaction could be very real, if also very rare—and major European vaccine authorities have not, in fact, been overcautious, political, or innumerate in responding to this possibility.
—Hilda Bastian, The Atlantic, 30 Mar. 2021
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overcautious
Adjective
-
To say that does not trivialize the Holocaust, as some timid folk insist.—
Orlando Sentinel and South Florida Sun Sentinel Editorial Boards,
Orlando Sentinel,
14 Mar. 2025
-
In middle age, Didi has also become timid after being let down too much by others.—
Stephen Saito,
Variety,
12 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Cunard's Queen Anne cruise ship advised passengers to remain cautious while the ship passed through a piracy-prone area in Southeast Asia, according to a Thursday, March 13, TikTok.—
Charna Flam,
People.com,
22 Mar. 2025
-
The organization has become more cautious about backing properties that are underinsured, dilapidated, or lack sufficient reserves for maintenance.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Blum said that Japanese collectors are more circumspect than Western collectors in their approach to choosing works for purchase.—
Zachary Small,
New York Times,
25 Jan. 2025
-
Sheinbaum was equally circumspect on the 25% tariffs Trump has vowed to impose on Mexican imports if the country fails to stop U.S.-bound traffic of drugs and migrants.—
Patrick J. McDonnell,
Los Angeles Times,
21 Jan. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Overcautious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overcautious. Accessed 5 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share