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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.

The central bank struck a cautious tone on inflation, saying that core measures remain muted but that risks stemming from the conflict render some uncertainty to the outlook.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

CEO Jamie Dimon was upbeat on the bank’s prospects, but relatively cautious on risks to the broader economy in his annual letter to shareholders, which was published Monday.

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 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

Yet for all the optimism over tanker activity in the strait, the numbers tell a more cautious story: Transit volumes remain well below preconflict levels, and oil markets have barely reacted.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 6, 2026

After that, having been so cautious up till then, he was careless.

From "Z for Zachariah" by Robert C. O’Brien