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Showing results for cautious. Search instead for nautiluse.
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.

"Restarting oilfields and fixing damaged infrastructure is a gradual process, and producers will be cautious about ramping up output without reliable export routes," said Simone Tagliapietra, a fellow at Europe's Bruegel institute.

From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026

But Jan Doyle, who lived through the experience of giving birth in a mother and baby home, is cautious.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

At the same time, researchers have been cautious about developing hormonal approaches, partly due to safety concerns observed in women.

From Science Daily • Apr. 7, 2026

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

Molly took a few cautious steps deeper into the auditorium, still struggling to stand.

From "Night Owls" by A.R. Vishny