Definitions

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.

They have been careful not to suggest any problems on the horizon.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 27, 2026

The researchers hope their work encourages a more careful look at omega-3 supplementation, both in clinical settings and among the general public.

From Science Daily • Apr. 26, 2026

Pam is careful to stress that the hologram has not replaced her husband nor her grief.

From BBC • Apr. 25, 2026

He was a Muslim medical student, conservative and careful and funny in the dry, precise way of someone who has always had to choose his words.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 24, 2026

“Be careful who you make that promise to. Not all are as friendly as I.”

From "The Way to Rio Luna" by Zoraida Cordova

Vocabulary lists containing careful

"Earthquake"

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Cormac McCarthy's "The Road"

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Unit 9

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