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.

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

From Science Daily • Jun. 9, 2026

There was no great drama around the breakup of Soundgarden; there was a press release with a measured, careful statement, and then the band was no more.

From Salon • Jun. 9, 2026

The band added that “after careful consideration,” it had decided to postpone its Philadelphia show that night.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 8, 2026

“People have to be careful whenever they try to figure out how to diversify. Do you just create a new weaponizable dependency?” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 7, 2026

“Just stay out of my way,” I said, getting awkwardly to my feet, careful not to put too much pressure on my throbbing calf.

From "Glitch" by Laura Martin

Vocabulary lists containing careful

"Earthquake"

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Cormac McCarthy's "The Road"

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Unit 9

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