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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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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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
Environmental and consumer advocacy groups called the agreement a step in the right direction, but cautioned that regulators still have work to do to mitigate the risk the data center gold rush poses to residential ratepayers. Kristi Swartz, AJC.com, 27 Aug. 2026 Some experts caution the health impact is likely only present in higher doses. Gavin Escott, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026
Noun
Since Salmonella can be present in bodies of water, use caution when swimming in lakes, rivers and ponds. Kimberly Baker, The Conversation, 31 Aug. 2026 Consultant dietitian Sophie Medlin of City Dietitians offered a similar caution to Healthline. Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for caution
Recent Examples of Synonyms for caution
Verb
  • The voices warning about the risks of artificial intelligence grow louder, more urgent and increasingly credible every day.
    Henry M. Paulson Jr, Washington Post, 3 Sep. 2026
  • On Tuesday, Zelenskyy ominously warned airlines in Russia that the risks could continue.
    ABC News, ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Short-term rates went to 5% and change, Treasury bills paid more than investment grade corporates, and savers who had spent fifteen years being punished for prudence suddenly got paid handsomely for doing nothing.
    Jason Kirsch, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
  • In those conditions, United’s prudence makes financial sense.
    Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The space telescope hasn't just collected incredible data; its images have also given the general public a new appreciation for the beauty and wonder of space.
    Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Although an Assassin's Creed-style parkour system would do wonders for the game's movement given the setting, the protagonist's magical steed was a joy to ride.
    Gabriel Zamora, PC Magazine, 29 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Less pleading and more of a warning, Beyoncé’s version of the beloved hit features different lyrics and an introduction that directly references the original track.
    Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026
  • The letter adds to a growing chorus of warnings about the dangers associated with advanced AI and comes shortly after a series of high-profile incidents in which flagship models tested by Anthropic and OpenAI breached testing safeguards.
    Sam Meredith, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Preventing Naegleria fowleri cases Williams said people should focus on taking precautions when entering fresh water.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 3 Sep. 2026
  • In accordance with town protocol, officials suspended swimming at South Beach for several hours as a precaution, allowing personnel to assess conditions before later lifting the water restrictions.
    Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 1 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Multi-State Insights — law enforcement is alerted when suspect vehicles are detected across multiple states.
    Mateo Rosiles, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026
  • An employee at the home alerted the director, who notified police on June 25.
    Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • This carefulness is clearly strategic.
    Gary Sernovitz, New Yorker, 15 June 2026
  • There was no carefulness in it.
    Zack Meisel, New York Times, 1 May 2026
Noun
  • But even if miracle funding were to arrive to help homeowners like Pyne with the essential work, there is a deep sense of grief for the work itself.
    Megan Schrader, Denver Post, 27 Aug. 2026
  • No one is expecting miracles this season, even with hundreds of millions of pounds worth of new players in the team.
    Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Caution.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/caution. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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