Definitions

cautious

[kaw-shuhs] / ˈkɔ ʃəs /

ADJECTIVE

careful, guarded

Synonyms

STRONGEST

circumspect discreet judicious leery prudent tentative vigilant wary watchful

STRONG

alert safe

WEAK

all ears cagey calculating chary considerate forethoughtful gingerly hedging one's bets heedful keeping on one's toes on the lookout playing it cool playing safe politic provident pussyfoot shrewd taking it easy taking it slow thinking twice walking on eggs watching one's step watching out with one's eyes peeled

Antonyms

STRONGEST

careless certain foolish inattentive incautious indiscreet negligent rash reckless sure thoughtless uncareful unwise

WEAK

hasty heedless imprudent unguarded unobservant

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Appeared in the March 27, 2026, print edition as 'Energy Capital Is Cautious On Plants'.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

Cautious optimism emerged for crypto legislation after a White House meeting on the Clarity Act, despite no immediate agreement.

From Barron's • Feb. 20, 2026

Cautious consumers are more eager than ever to find a hot deal, said NRF’s Mark Mathews, its chief economist.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 28, 2025

Cautious Black Friday shoppers are trying to squeeze the most value out of their money this year.

From MarketWatch • Nov. 26, 2025

‘Ach, sss! Cautious, my precious! More haste less speed. We musstn’t rissk our neck, musst we, precious? No, precious — gollum!’

From "The Two Towers" by J. R. R. Tolkien

Vocabulary lists containing cautious

Legend

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"Scary Tales," Vocabulary from the essay

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"The Tell-Tale Heart" and "The Raven"

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