careful

[kair-fuhl] / ˈkɛər fəl /

ADJECTIVE

cautious; painstaking

Synonyms

STRONGEST

accurate attentive choosy circumspect concerned conscientious deliberate discreet judicious leery meticulous mindful precise prudent rigorous scrupulous sober thorough thoughtful vigilant wary

STRONG

detail-oriented

WEAK

alert apprehensive assiduous chary conservative cool exacting fastidious finicky fussy going to great lengths guarded heedful observant particular playing safe prim protective provident punctilious regardful religious selfdisciplined shy solicitous solid

Antonyms

STRONGEST

careless false foolish heedless idiotic inaccurate inattentive incautious inconsiderate indiscreet inexact irrational lax loose negligent questionable rash reckless thoughtless uncareful uncaring unscrupulous unwise

WEAK

unconcerned

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.

Police Scotland would not confirm numbers but say an agreement was reached following careful consideration "to ensure there is no impact to policing in Scotland".

From BBC • Jun. 11, 2026

That ambiguity is precisely why the matter demands careful investigation rather than quick dismissal.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 10, 2026

"We must be very careful, because he has a positive side that benefits us but also a high disapproval rating," he said, alluding to polls showing that Brazilians are divided over the US president.

From Barron's • Jun. 9, 2026

“It’s amicable, they gave lots of time and careful consideration and decided to go their separate ways,” a source told People.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026

I was careful to keep my face averted.

From "The Red Car to Hollywood" by Jennie Liu

Vocabulary lists containing careful

"Earthquake"

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Cormac McCarthy's "The Road"

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Unit 9

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