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.

“This operation followed several days of careful monitoring and work to stabilize the tank.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 25, 2026

The benefit depended on careful measurement and personalization.

From Science Daily • May 22, 2026

The telegram advised of the need for "careful and sometimes strict media management", and "initial proposals should contain the outline of a media strategy".

From BBC • May 21, 2026

Tanvi Madan, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, said India has been careful not to engage in a tit-for-tat with Trump, including over tariffs, believing its long-term interests were served by strong US ties.

From Barron's • May 21, 2026

His manners were really quite excellent, thanks to his governess’s careful training.

From "The Interrupted Tale" by Maryrose Wood

Vocabulary lists containing careful

"Earthquake"

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Cormac McCarthy's "The Road"

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Unit 9

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!