caution 1 of 2

Definition of cautionnext
as in to warn
to give notice to beforehand especially of danger or risk the doctor cautioned that I should still be careful using my sprained wrist for the next several days

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caution

2 of 2

noun

1
2
as in wonder
something extraordinary or surprising how she manages to drive her car without destroying the neighborhood is a caution

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3
as in warning
something that tells of approaching danger or risk this is just a caution that the following paragraph practically gives away the entire plot of the movie

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4
5
as in precaution
a measure taken to preclude loss or injury the standard caution of donning surgical gloves before performing any kind of dental work

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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 caution
Verb
There are estimates about the rarity of different lobster colors, though Frederich has also cautioned that such figures are approximations. ABC News, 27 Apr. 2026 The outlet also cautions against harsh methods. Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 27 Apr. 2026
Noun
The only caution is that the Chiefs were drafting from a position of strength and still leaned projection-heavy on a few picks, but that is a very small complaint for a very sharp weekend. Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026 The calendar calls for caution. Michael Cunningham, AJC.com, 26 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for caution
Recent Examples of Synonyms for caution
Verb
  • Andrillon warned against trying to harness the sleeping mind in the service of the waking world.
    Shayla Love, New Yorker, 1 May 2026
  • Asian economies prove resilient in wake of war Asian economies are proving resilient in the face of the energy shock sparked by the Iran war, though analysts warn of higher and persistent inflation.
    Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 30 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • That prudence by supporters of the center, including County Commissioner Raquel Regalado and Judge Steve Leifman, is now being used against them to keep the center in limbo.
    Jim DeFede, CBS News, 26 Apr. 2026
  • By all accounts, being a milquetoast is a sort of vice—cowardice masquerading as prudence.
    Nikhil Krishnan, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • No wonder the looks still read fresh and modern despite two decades having passed since its debut.
    Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 30 Apr. 2026
  • And the Lakers need their not-quite-ageless wonder to be at least great to beat these Houston Rockets one more time.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The company’s defense that the EPA doesn’t require a cancer-warning label for Roundup doesn’t cut it with them.
    Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Amid chaotic scenes of masked immigration agents roaming neighborhood streets as protesters blew warning whistles, the operation led to two shootings by agents, including the fatal shooting in Franklin Park of Silverio Villegas Gonzalez in September.
    Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Dubious precautions Mounting interest in the potential benefits of psychedelic drugs has led to a rise in psychedelic retreats around the world.
    Theara Coleman, TheWeek, 24 Apr. 2026
  • People living in areas with red flag warnings are asked to take extra precautions to avoid accidentally igniting a fire.
    Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 23 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Anybody who sees any sort of spill or leak in progress should call 911 and the proper authorities will be alerted, Ravitch said.
    Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026
  • The writers got the studios to agree to alert the union if a studio licenses writers’ work for AI training and continue holding meetings with the union on implementation.
    Katie Campione, Deadline, 26 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Organizations can benefit by valuing carefulness and concentration not as an obligation, but as a fundamental pillar of success.
    Heather V. MacArthur, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026
  • Just as essential a consideration as carefulness for committee members, though, is speed.
    Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 26 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The Broncos went 15-4 last year, testing the expiration dates on miracle finishes, while suffocating opponents with a relentless defense.
    Troy Renck, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2026
  • From above, the city appeared like a miracle.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Caution.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/caution. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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