Definitions

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.

Police Scotland would not confirm numbers but say an agreement was reached following careful consideration "to ensure there is no impact to policing in Scotland".

From BBC • Jun. 11, 2026

That ambiguity is precisely why the matter demands careful investigation rather than quick dismissal.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 10, 2026

Be careful on those slopes and many happy returns for your wedding.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 9, 2026

Researchers believe the journey likely involved multiple stages and required careful coordination among groups living across different regions.

From Science Daily • Jun. 9, 2026

He got near enough to observe it clearly in the dark, although he was careful not to let it know that he was near.

From "Wolf Brother" by Michelle Paver

Vocabulary lists containing careful

"Earthquake"

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Cormac McCarthy's "The Road"

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Unit 9

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