careful

[kair-fuhl] / ˈkɛər fəl /

ADJECTIVE

cautious; painstaking

Synonyms

STRONGEST

accurate attentive choosy circumspect concerned conscientious deliberate discreet judicious leery meticulous mindful precise prudent rigorous scrupulous sober thorough thoughtful vigilant wary

STRONG

detail-oriented

WEAK

alert apprehensive assiduous chary conservative cool exacting fastidious finicky fussy going to great lengths guarded heedful observant particular playing safe prim protective provident punctilious regardful religious selfdisciplined shy solicitous solid

Antonyms

STRONGEST

careless false foolish heedless idiotic inaccurate inattentive incautious inconsiderate indiscreet inexact irrational lax loose negligent questionable rash reckless thoughtless uncareful uncaring unscrupulous unwise

WEAK

unconcerned

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.

Paakkarinen was careful not to go into detail but said "the equipment we found them with wasn't optimal. They weren't using underwater caving gear".

From BBC • May 22, 2026

Ms. Arnold packs a sometimes dizzying amount of detail into this slim volume, balancing a deep interest in her subject with a careful respect for these unfortunate ships and their passengers and crew.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026

The benefit depended on careful measurement and personalization.

From Science Daily • May 22, 2026

All of which means that careful stock-picking that focuses on local consumer-driven businesses should pay off in India.

From Barron's • May 20, 2026

“It takes patience, I suppose, and a great many reminders, and we must be careful to avoid temptation, especially if the children are hungry. Treats are also useful, as a reward for good behavior.”

From "The Interrupted Tale" by Maryrose Wood

Vocabulary lists containing careful

"Earthquake"

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Cormac McCarthy's "The Road"

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Unit 9

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