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.

I think the FTC will be careful about how it attempts investigations of civil society groups in the future.

From Slate • May 18, 2026

They’re back to being too cautious, too careful.

From Los Angeles Times • May 15, 2026

"We should be respectful and careful to say 'the past doesn't work and now...I'm a magician'," she said.

From Barron's • May 14, 2026

In interviews the report authors say this led them to be extra careful when it came to cross-referencing and fact-checking evidence they included.

From BBC • May 12, 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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Unit 9

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