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.

Tuchel said Saka, who has scored 14 goals in 48 appearances for the Three Lions, still requires careful attention before the tournament - which has raised some concerns given he is a key player.

From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026

There was no great drama around the breakup of Soundgarden; there was a press release with a measured, careful statement, and then the band was no more.

From Salon • Jun. 9, 2026

Be careful on those slopes and many happy returns for your wedding.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 9, 2026

In my brief test run, the steering wheel rotated itself as the truck made careful turns.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 8, 2026

Torak studied the carcass, careful to avoid touching the tracks.

From "Wolf Brother" by Michelle Paver

Vocabulary lists containing careful

"Earthquake"

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Cormac McCarthy's "The Road"

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Unit 9

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