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cautious

adjective
cau·​tious | \ ˈkȯ-shÉ™s How to pronounce cautious (audio) \

Definition of cautious

: careful about avoiding danger or risk cautious investors cautious optimism
Other Words from cautious Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about cautious

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Other Words from cautious

cautiously adverb
cautiousness noun

Choose the Right Synonym for cautious

cautious, circumspect, wary, chary mean prudently watchful and discreet in the face of danger or risk. cautious implies the exercise of forethought usually prompted by fear of danger. a cautious driver circumspect suggests less fear and stresses the surveying of all possible consequences before acting or deciding. circumspect in his business dealings wary emphasizes suspiciousness and alertness in watching for danger and cunning in escaping it. keeps a wary eye on the competition chary implies a cautious reluctance to give, act, or speak freely. chary of signing papers without having read them first

Examples of cautious in a Sentence

Any cautious tourist will guard her passport. You cannot be overly cautious when you're driving in snow. He answered the question with a cautious reply.
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Recent Examples on the Web

 Fisher, who won a national title at Florida State in 2013, urged a more cautious approach for the Aggies entering Clemson — at least with their tongues. — Brent Zwerneman, ExpressNews.com, "Texas A&M offensive lineman: ‘There will be an upset’ at No. 1 Clemson," 2 Sep. 2019 Many teams decided to sit starters or limit their snaps and take a cautious approach to avoid injuries. — Adam Ronis, SI.com, "Sam Darnold, Sony Michel Strengthen Fantasy Stock in Week 3 of Preseason," 27 Aug. 2019 Governments around the world are taking a cautious approach to responding to the protests roiling Hong Kong. — Washington Post, "Ties to China shape cautious reaction to Hong Kong protests," 21 Aug. 2019 This is why some companies are taking a more cautious approach to growing outdoors. — Kristine Owram, chicagotribune.com, "Asparagus makes way for weed in Canada’s fields," 13 Aug. 2019 Almost as important as the quality of the structure's parts is the cautious approach required when tearing down these barns. — Darla Guillen Gilthorpe, Houston Chronicle, "Texas company brings new life to historic, centuries-old structures," 9 Aug. 2019 Some favored more relaxed policies and others urged a cautious approach, recalling stories passed down through generations about how their own ancestors struggled to find sponsors before arriving at Ellis Island. — Stephanie Saul, New York Times, "In Wisconsin Swing District, a Range of Views on Immigration," 31 July 2019 Hunt had adopted a more cautious approach, ruling out hard deadlines. — Kim Hjelmgaard, USA TODAY, "Boris Johnson wins contest to be United Kingdom’s new prime minister," 23 July 2019 Ultimately, the actual flight of Apollo 10 validated this cautious approach. — Eric Berger, Ars Technica, "The Greatest Leap, part 3: The triumph and near-tragedy of the first Moon landing," 18 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'cautious.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of cautious

1614, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for cautious

see caution entry 1

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More Definitions for cautious

cautious

adjective
How to pronounce cautious (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of cautious

: careful about avoiding danger or risk

See the full definition for cautious in the English Language Learners Dictionary

cautious

adjective
cau·​tious | \ ˈkȯ-shÉ™s How to pronounce cautious (audio) \

Kids Definition of cautious

: showing or using care to avoid trouble or danger

Other Words from cautious

cautiously adverb

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More from Merriam-Webster on cautious

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with cautious

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for cautious

Spanish Central: Translation of cautious

Nglish: Translation of cautious for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of cautious for Arabic Speakers

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