circumspect

[sur-kuhm-spekt] / ˈsɜr kəmˌspɛkt /

ADJECTIVE

cautious, discreet

Synonyms

STRONGEST

cagey careful considerate discriminating judicious meticulous prudent scrupulous vigilant wary

WEAK

attentive calculating canny chary deliberate gingerly guarded heedful observant politic punctilious safe sagacious sage watchful

Antonyms

STRONGEST

careless foolish inattentive incautious indiscreet negligent reckless thoughtless unscrupulous unwise

WEAK

audacious bold rash uncareful uncircumspect unheedful

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.

But China's own statements have been circumspect, saying it backs the ceasefire but hardly trumpeting its own diplomacy.

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

On the streets of Beijing this week, locals were circumspect about a visit from the US president.

From Barron's • Mar. 20, 2026

Sitting on a boat floating off the shore, Holloway is more circumspect.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 19, 2026

Harbour has also been circumspect about the end of the marriage.

From BBC • Oct. 24, 2025

All of his life he had been circumspect in his dealings with such people.

From "The Heart is a Lonely Hunter" by Carson McCullers

Vocabulary lists containing circumspect

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Grade 11, List 2

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