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Showing results for cautious. Search instead for cautiou.
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.

Kempczinski also discussed menu strategy, what his company reveals about today’s cautious consumer—and why he’s willing to eat on camera again.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

Remain cautious until that unfolds, as a break under $88 could cause a sizable drawdown.

From Barron's • Apr. 6, 2026

RAC spokesperson Rod Dennis said: "We recommend taking extra care on exposed, higher routes and being especially cautious when overtaking high‑sided vehicles, as the buffeting effect can catch some people out."

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

One area she is particularly cautious about is debt issued by tech giants like Alphabet, Amazon.com, and Oracle to build data centers.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

Chess hoped Emma was listening closely to hear what they needed to be extra cautious about, because he blanked out for a moment.

From "The Strangers" by Margaret Peterson Haddix

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.