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.

By doing so, it offers a more detailed and balanced view of ecological history and highlights the need for more careful interpretation in conservation science.

From Science Daily • Apr. 14, 2026

But Mann and Kani are also careful not to restrict the play to their realities, knowing that to feel true today, the story needs room to breathe.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2026

"Be careful they can jump," he says, laughing at my squeamishness.

From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026

No matter the reading, investors should be careful about extrapolating March’s trend into the coming months.

From Barron's • Apr. 12, 2026

“You’re suffering from malnutrition. You must be careful what you eat.”

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom

Vocabulary lists containing careful

"Earthquake"

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Cormac McCarthy's "The Road"

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Unit 9

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