1
: warning, admonishment
Her comments were intended as a caution to us to protect our property.
2
: precaution
a surgeon taking the caution of sterilizing his instruments
3
: prudent forethought to minimize risk
Use caution when operating a chain saw.
4
: one that astonishes or commands attention
some shoes you see … these days are a caution—
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Examples of caution in a Sentence
Noun
You should use caution when operating the electric saw.
He injected a note of caution in his talk.
Her financial adviser urged caution before investing in the project.
The roads are slippery: drive with extreme caution.
Her comments were intended as a caution to us to protect our property.
A note of caution: be sure that the electricity is off before you install the ceiling fan.
She was given a caution by the magistrate.
Verb
Officials are cautioning that the war may continue for years.
“Don't decide too quickly,” she cautioned.
He was cautioned for speeding.
Recent Examples on the Web
Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 31 Jan. 2025
Small craft should exercise caution in Atlantic waters due to south winds at 15 to 20 knots.
—Garfield Hylton, Orlando Sentinel, 31 Jan. 2025
Richard Meyer, Artforum, 1 Feb. 2025
However, Viola cautioned that diaper rash cream is not recommended for acne-prone skin due to its ingredients, which can potentially cause irritation.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 31 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for caution 
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Noun
Dramatic At Sundance Film Festival: Full Winners List Sundance Film Festival 2025: All Of Deadline’s Movie Reviews
Given the passionate audience for the late Queen of Tejano Music, Sundance and the filmmakers scrubbed the documentary out of an abundance of caution.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 31 Jan. 2025
Small craft should exercise caution in Atlantic waters due to south winds at 15 to 20 knots.
—Garfield Hylton, Orlando Sentinel, 31 Jan. 2025
Verb
Rather than simply cautioning viewers as to the explicit content of the art on display, the museum theatricalized its taboo appeal.
—Richard Meyer, Artforum, 1 Feb. 2025
However, Viola cautioned that diaper rash cream is not recommended for acne-prone skin due to its ingredients, which can potentially cause irritation.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 31 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for caution
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Dictionary Entries Near caution
Cite this Entry
“Caution.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/caution. Accessed 5 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
caution
1 of 2 noun
cau·tion
ˈkȯ-shən 
1
2
: carefulness in regard to danger
3
: someone or something that astonishes or catches one's attention
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