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Showing results for cautious. Search instead for nautiluse.
Definitions

cautious

[kaw-shuhs] / ˈkɔ ʃəs /
ADJECTIVE
careful, guarded
Synonyms
STRONGEST
circumspect discreet judicious leery prudent tentative vigilant wary watchful
STRONG
alert safe
WEAK
all ears cagey calculating chary considerate forethoughtful gingerly hedging one's bets heedful keeping on one's toes on the lookout playing it cool playing safe politic provident pussyfoot shrewd taking it easy taking it slow thinking twice walking on eggs watching one's step watching out with one's eyes peeled
Antonyms
STRONGEST
careless certain foolish inattentive incautious indiscreet negligent rash reckless sure thoughtless uncareful unwise
WEAK
hasty heedless imprudent unguarded unobservant

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.

—European blue-chip indexes were mixed in cautious early trading.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

At the same time, researchers have been cautious about developing hormonal approaches, partly due to safety concerns observed in women.

From Science Daily • Apr. 7, 2026

Remain cautious until that unfolds, as a break under $88 could cause a sizable drawdown.

From Barron's • Apr. 6, 2026

This year, the influential retail cohort is taking a much more cautious approach as the war in Iran upends markets around the world.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 6, 2026

I don’t know much about hunting, but I’m pretty sure that being cautious or thorough matters a lot more than just rampaging in because you want to catch something.

From "Pet" by Akwaeke Emezi