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.

"It's like driving behind a donkey. It's a very careful use of the battery," he said with a smile.

From Barron's • Jun. 12, 2026

The advisers are paid by their employer, so it’s technically not free advice, and you should be careful that they don’t sell you unnecessary insurance or annuities.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 11, 2026

That ambiguity is precisely why the matter demands careful investigation rather than quick dismissal.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 10, 2026

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

Katherine and Chip thought he was crazy for being so careful.

From "Found" by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Vocabulary lists containing careful

"Earthquake"

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Cormac McCarthy's "The Road"

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Unit 9

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