Definitions

circumspect

[sur-kuhm-spekt] / ˈsɜr kəmˌspɛkt /

ADJECTIVE

cautious, discreet

Synonyms

STRONGEST

cagey careful considerate discriminating judicious meticulous prudent scrupulous vigilant wary

WEAK

attentive calculating canny chary deliberate gingerly guarded heedful observant politic punctilious safe sagacious sage watchful

Antonyms

STRONGEST

careless foolish inattentive incautious indiscreet negligent reckless thoughtless unscrupulous unwise

WEAK

audacious bold rash uncareful uncircumspect unheedful

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.

But China's own statements have been circumspect, saying it backs the ceasefire but hardly trumpeting its own diplomacy.

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

Sitting on a boat floating off the shore, Holloway is more circumspect.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 19, 2026

The security minister Dan Jarvis was both circumspect in his language, but warm and accepting of the wide range of concerns expressed by MPs of multiple parties.

From BBC • Nov. 19, 2025

While publicly Kinnings is understandably cautious and circumspect about the future, the backers who lend their name to his tour are more outspoken.

From BBC • Nov. 17, 2025

Instead of laughing, shaking his head, and denying all this, Wilkin, to my surprise, was circumspect.

From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover

Vocabulary lists containing circumspect

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Grade 11, List 2

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