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.

Institutional rules and norms, on the other hand, give bishops incentives to be methodical and cautious.

From Slate • Jun. 8, 2026

“The shift from his more cautious tone on May 27 toward stronger vigilance on inflation was taken as a mild surprise, suggesting the BOJ is increasingly inclined to proceed with a rate hike,” they add.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 8, 2026

For people dealing with hair loss, the research offers a hopeful but cautious message.

From Science Daily • Jun. 7, 2026

Roberto Sanchez, locked in a neck-and-neck contest with conservative rival Keiko Fujimori, struck a deliberately cautious tone when asked about the often bruising US leader.

From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026

The leader took a few cautious steps toward the fire, then turned away.

From "Black Star, Bright Dawn" by Scott O'Dell

Vocabulary lists containing cautious

Legend

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"Scary Tales," Vocabulary from the essay

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