Thesaurus results for CAREFUL

careful

adjective

ˈker-fəl

Definition of careful

as in cautious

having or showing a close attentiveness to avoiding danger or trouble careful drivers slow down on slick or icy roadways

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in meticulous

taking, showing, or involving great care and effort that furniture maker was known to be a most careful worker, so his output was small

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word careful different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of careful are meticulous, punctilious, and scrupulous. While all these words mean "showing close attention to detail," careful implies attentiveness and cautiousness in avoiding mistakes.

a careful worker

When can meticulous be used instead of careful?

Although the words meticulous and careful have much in common, meticulous may imply either commendable extreme carefulness or a hampering finicky caution over small points.

meticulous scholarship

When could punctilious be used to replace careful?

The words punctilious and careful are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, punctilious implies minute, even excessive attention to fine points.

punctilious observance of ritual

In what contexts can scrupulous take the place of careful?

While in some cases nearly identical to careful, scrupulous applies to what is proper or fitting or ethical.

scrupulous honesty

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of careful But the Dolphins want to be careful with the leader of their defense. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 26 Aug. 2026 Both are exceptionally careful and powerful, but Hantano has a more complicated jumping technique. — Gemma Redrup, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 Clay and Terracotta Tile Roof Clay or terracotta tile is the one to be most careful with, Soto says. — Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Aug. 2026 Give New Arrivals a Quarantine Period Even the most careful inspection isn’t foolproof, so consider also keeping plants that spent the summer outdoors separate from your indoor collection for a few weeks. — Rachel Gillett, Martha Stewart, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for careful

Recent Examples of Synonyms for careful

Adjective

Another reason to be cautious about relying on AI is that crisis communications can pose critical legal risks for companies.

— Edward Segal, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026
Beijing is a source of crucial economic support for Iran but has walked a cautious diplomatic line amid the US-Iran war, keeping communications open with players on both sides.

— Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of cautious

Adjective

An immaculate natural setting, meticulous interior design, simple pleasures such as a complete sense of privacy, and impeccable service are just some of the highlights.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Aug. 2026
When the scant blood trail disappeared, Charles began the meticulous hands-and-knees job of track-trailing the buck.

— Jeff Murray, Outdoor Life, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of meticulous

Adjective

Many Iranian women are openly flouting the rule – and authorities seem wary of launching a crackdown, for now.

— Tim Lister, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
That’s as the Fed has been especially wary of inflation, which has exceeded its 2% target for more than five years, with several central bankers ready to hike rates.

— Jason Ma, Fortune, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of wary

Adjective

Less so is the fact that more vulnerabilities are being discovered by bounty hunters assisted by AI tools, leaving Google fighting a battle to patch them before less conscientious hackers find them and put them to criminal use.

— Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
The reptile dealers need to be more conscientious, and there needs to be more captive breeding.

— Katie Campione, Deadline, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of conscientious

Adjective

After a New York City childhood spent with their loving adoptive father, Annie (Ella Rubin) and her brother Connor (Keen Ruffalo) find themselves in possession of Sterling Point, a remote island in Ontario’s Muskoka region.

— Connor Sturges, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Aug. 2026
The loving mom, who also shares son Brayden, 10, with Tarek and son Hudson, 6, with Ant Anstead, shared a few photos and videos on her Instagram Stories, revealing that Taylor recently got her learner’s permit.

— Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of loving

Adjective

More recently, diligent and passionate biologists, chemists, and experts from other disciplines have used technology for contemporary experiments that reveal a spectrum of plant consciousness.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 Aug. 2026
Dark circles happen, acne pops up, and dark spots can even appear despite diligent sunscreen use.

— Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of diligent

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carefree

careful

carefully

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“Careful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/careful. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of careful

adjective

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