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.

Circumspect Adam, that big lug, plays second fiddle, gazing listlessly but expectantly at his companion — not unlike we are.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 18, 2024

Circumspect, Flynn said, “I don’t know what Turkey expects. I don’t know what Russia expects.”

From The New Yorker • Feb. 18, 2017

DoubleX Gabfest: The Circumspect Circumference Edition Listen to ’s show about prenatal depression, hot Olympic bodies, and cosmetic surgery for teenage girls.

From Slate • Aug. 9, 2012

Circumspect and reserved whitecrowns and brush tohees scratched and hopped silently over the forest litter.

From The Rules of the Game by White, Stewart Edward

Circumspect enough to see when his antagonist failed, he took a very narrow, or very one-sided, view of his own risks.

From Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, Volume 58, No. 359, September 1845 by Various

Vocabulary lists containing circumspect

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Grade 11, List 2

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