Definitions

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

"We are still being very circumspect," the Pakistan source told the BBC, saying that there was a "continued fragility" to the situation.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

But they are more circumspect about those other requests, while saying they want to press on "at pace" in removing Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of succession.

From BBC • Feb. 24, 2026

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 19, 2026

An exceedingly calm, circumspect man, Groom was pleasant company but seldom spoke unless spoken to and replied to questions tersely, in a barely audible voice.

From "Into Thin Air" by Jon Krakauer

Vocabulary lists containing circumspect

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Grade 11, List 2

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