cautious

1 of 2

adjective

cau·​tious ˈkȯ-shəs 

: careful about avoiding danger or risk

cautious investors

cautious optimism

cautiously adverb

cautiousness noun

cautiousness

2 of 2

noun

cau·​tious·​ness

ˈkȯ-shəs-nəs

plural -es

: the quality or state of being cautious

Synonyms of cautious

Adjective

• careful
• wary
• alert

Choose the Right Synonym for cautious

cautious, circumspect, wary, chary mean prudently watchful and discreet in the face of danger or risk.

cautious implies the exercise of forethought usually prompted by fear of danger.

a cautious driver

circumspect suggests less fear and stresses the surveying of all possible consequences before acting or deciding.

circumspect in his business dealings

wary emphasizes suspiciousness and alertness in watching for danger and cunning in escaping it.

keeps a wary eye on the competition

chary implies a cautious reluctance to give, act, or speak freely.

chary of signing papers without having read them first

Examples of cautious in a Sentence

Adjective

Any cautious tourist will guard her passport.

You cannot be overly cautious when you're driving in snow.

He answered the question with a cautious reply.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The actors Nael Nacer and Artemis Pebdani double as Haddad’s great-aunt and -uncle and parents, playing across a spectrum of discomfort and cautious support. — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2026

Networks have been cautious about any airing of a public death, issuing viewer advisories or having general policies against airing the moment of death. — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 9 Oct. 2026

With the wars in the Middle East and Ukraine, shipping disruptions, shifting consumer demand, and continuing geopolitical uncertainty, manufacturers in both countries are increasingly cautious about making financial commitments. — Mayu Saini, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026

Investors are overlooking the growth potential of German consumer giant Henkel's burgeoning haircare business as even cautious consumers continue to splurge on self-care routines, according to Barclays. — Sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

see caution entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

1614, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing cautious

• hyper-cautious

Rhymes for cautious

• incautious
• nauseous

Kids Definition

cautious

adjective

cau·​tious ˈkȯ-shəs 

: marked by or given to caution

a cautious reply

cautiously adverb

cautiousness noun