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.

—The dollar fell slightly as investors turned cautious ahead of U.S. inflation data.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 10, 2026

“The market is not going to have a problem with a very slow, cautious approach to rate hikes to make sure there is price stability,” Tipp said.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 8, 2026

However, the Wall Street consensus on Intel stock remains cautious.

From Barron's • Jun. 8, 2026

We therefore need to be cautious about interpreting every fossil groove as deliberate toothpicking.

From Science Daily • Jun. 8, 2026

He was a cautious driver, and riding in the car with Henry, even in the most propitious of circumstances, made him nervous.

From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt

Vocabulary lists containing cautious

Legend

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