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 gave lots of time and careful consideration and decided to go their separate ways," the source told the publication.

From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026

Be careful on those slopes and many happy returns for your wedding.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 9, 2026

“It’s amicable, they gave lots of time and careful consideration and decided to go their separate ways,” a source told People.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026

Researchers believe the journey likely involved multiple stages and required careful coordination among groups living across different regions.

From Science Daily • Jun. 9, 2026

“I have been careful my whole life, and it has never kept me safe.”

From "Night Owls" by A.R. Vishny

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!