as in safeguard
a measure taken to preclude loss or injury
as parents of young children, they have taken the usual precaution of locking up their household cleansers
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Recent Examples of precaution
West Miami Middle School, which is located nearby, was also put in lockdown as a precaution.
—
Morgan Rynor, CBS News, 1 Apr. 2026
Having someone nearby — even just to steady the ladder or call for help if something goes wrong — is a simple precaution that makes a real difference.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 31 Mar. 2026
The cost of trying it, with appropriate precautions, is zero.
—Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 31 Mar. 2026
Not knowing exactly when quarterback Patrick Mahomes will return from his torn ACL, the Kansas City Chiefs took some precaution this offseason.
—Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for precaution
Morgan Rynor, CBS News, 1 Apr. 2026
Having someone nearby — even just to steady the ladder or call for help if something goes wrong — is a simple precaution that makes a real difference.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 31 Mar. 2026
The cost of trying it, with appropriate precautions, is zero.
—Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 31 Mar. 2026
Not knowing exactly when quarterback Patrick Mahomes will return from his torn ACL, the Kansas City Chiefs took some precaution this offseason.
—Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for precaution
Recent Examples of Synonyms for precaution
Noun
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For years, children have been warned not to share images online as a basic safeguard against exploitation.—
Catherina Gioino,
Fortune,
3 Apr. 2026
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When that function collapses and every joke is screened for loyalty, society loses one of its best safeguards against tribal conformity.—
Robert Lynch,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Padlocks, sickles and other objects made of iron, a metal said to possess anti-demonic powers, were stashed in the grave as preventives.—
Franz Lidz,
New York Times,
5 Sep. 2023
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But although human vaccines function primarily as preventives, offering immunity to animals such as black-footed ferrets can be a conservation strategy of last resort.—
Katherine J. Wu,
The Atlantic,
15 June 2023
Noun
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These connections raise broader questions about how Epstein was able to maintain influence, credibility, and protection across borders for so long.—
Jack Royston,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2026
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Reversing those protections now would not be neutral.—
Judy L. Thomas,
Kansas City Star,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Objects that are outdoors should be secured and caution should be taken if driving.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
31 Mar. 2026
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Others say drivers, regardless of age, need to exercise extra caution when navigating the busy corridors.—
Kenny Choi,
CBS News,
31 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Precaution.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/precaution. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
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