Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com

be cautious

VERB
beware
Synonyms
STRONGEST
heed take care
STRONG
attend avoid mind notice shun
WEAK
be wary guard against keep eyes open keep on one's toes keep one's distance look out mind p's and q's refrain from steer clear of take heed walk on eggs watch one's step watch out
Antonyms
STRONG
disregard face ignore meet neglect
WEAK
court invite risk take on
VERB
mind
Synonyms
STRONGEST
tend
STRONG
trouble watch
WEAK
be concerned be on guard be solicitous be wary have a care mind one's p's and q's take care toe the line watch one's step watch out
Antonyms
WEAK
disregard forget ignore neglect

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.

The community should be cautious when enjoying outdoor recreational areas.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

So if the past forms any kind of pattern, it’s another reason to at least be cautious about markets at the moment.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 14, 2026

The IMF urged central banks to be cautious over raising interest rates to counter higher inflation.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

Investors who were stung by the plunge in crude prices after last week’s cease-fire might be cautious about piling back in, said hedge-fund manager Pierre Andurand.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

Had Izzy been a different kind of child, this might have led her to be cautious, or neurasthenic, or paranoid.

From "Little Fires Everywhere" by Celeste Ng