CAUTIOUSLY Synonyms: 39 Similar and Opposite Words

cautiously

adverb

Definition of cautiously

as in deliberately

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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 cautiously Demographic experts are cautiously optimistic about the new scheme, which appears to offer more sustained and holistic support for families. — Angelica Ang, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2026 All fungicides should be used cautiously and according to the label instructions. — Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Aug. 2026 Democrats feel cautiously optimistic about their chances of taking the House and Jeffries would be in line to be the next speaker. — Rachel Scott, ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026 Analysts remain cautiously optimistic, acknowledging progress but awaiting sustained profit and traffic growth. — Pamela N. Danziger, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026 The department exists to preserve some semblance of equal justice in the United States — imperfectly, haltingly, often overbearingly for some and cautiously for others — and help ensure that the nation is governed by the rule of law. — New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 20 Aug. 2026 Alkaline cleaners like bleach can also work well but should be used cautiously. — Abid Haque, Architectural Digest, 20 Aug. 2026 Stir in 1 teaspoon of the sugar, taste and cautiously add more by the 1/2 teaspoon if needed to round out the flavors. — Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 18 Aug. 2026 If the leather shows none of these warning signs and the water beads rather than soaking in immediately, proceed cautiously with the least aggressive cleaning method possible. — Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 17 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for cautiously

Adverb

Smotrich and his partners have dispersed new settlements in places with high tactical importance, deliberately separating areas under Palestinian control to disrupt the territorial continuity that could one day form the basis of a Palestinian state.

— Amos Harel, Foreign Affairs, 2 Sep. 2026
In other words, the curtains were part of the plan, not a last-minute attempt to conceal thousands of empty seats — and Carlile was working within an arena deliberately reshaped to fit the occasion.

— Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of deliberately

Adverb

Explosives were carefully used to clear a path before army rescuers continued to meticulously dig by hand to reach any survivors inside.

— Sana Noor Haq, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2026
His carefully coiffed side parting is as immaculate as his smile, something which distinguishes him from the rest of his party whose members tend to grimace rather than grin.

— Esme Nicholson, NPR, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of carefully

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cautious

cautiously

cautiousness

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

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Synonyms of cautiously

adverb

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