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.

“We expect to see heightened volatility throughout this period,” said Todd Ahlsten, chief investment officer at Parnassus Investments, adding that he’s cautious on all of the upcoming IPOs caught up in the “AI hype cycle.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 11, 2026

Altmann is now urging a shift to a short-term tactically cautious view on U.S. stocks, he told a Barclays podcast on Tuesday.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 10, 2026

As for Awosika, she said the experience had left her far more cautious.

From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026

However, the Wall Street consensus on Intel stock remains cautious.

From Barron's • Jun. 8, 2026

“You want to know why I’m so cautious with people, why I don’t talk at school? It’s because this is what happens.”

From "A Place at the Table" by Saadia Faruqi and Laura Shovan

Vocabulary lists containing cautious

Legend

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