careful
Americanadjective
-
cautious in one's actions.
Be careful when you cross the street.
- Synonyms:
- circumspect, chary, guarded, watchful
- Antonyms:
- careless
-
taking pains in one's work; exact; thorough.
a careful typist.
- Synonyms:
- scrupulous, meticulous
- Antonyms:
- careless
-
(of things) done or performed with accuracy or caution.
careful research.
- Synonyms:
- rigorous
- Antonyms:
- careless
-
solicitously mindful (usually followed by of, about, orin ).
careful of the rights of others;
careful about one's behavior;
careful in speech.
- Synonyms:
- regardful, heedful, attentive, solicitous, concerned, thoughtful
- Antonyms:
- careless
-
Archaic.
-
full of anxiety or care; troubled.
-
causing or attended with anxiety.
a careful day.
-
adjective
-
cautious in attitude or action; prudent
-
painstaking in one's work; thorough
he wrote very careful script
-
(usually postpositive; foll by of, in, or about) solicitous; protective
careful of one's reputation
-
archaic full of care; anxious
-
mean or miserly
Synonym Usage
Careful, cautious, discreet, wary imply a watchful guarding against something. Careful implies guarding against mistakes, by paying strict and close attention to details, and, often, trying to use good judgment: He was careful to distinguish between them. Cautious implies a fear of some unfavorable situation and investigation before coming to conclusions: cautious about investments. Discreet implies being prudent in speech and action and being trustworthy as a confidant: discreet in manner, in keeping secrets. Wary implies a vigilant lookout for a danger suspected or feared: wary of polite strangers. See painstaking.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of careful
First recorded before 1000; Middle English; Old English carful, cearful; see care, -ful
Explanation
If you consider all consequences and do a task thoughtfully, take your time and watch what you are doing, you are being careful. Can you ever be too careful? If you're a stunt man, yes. If you're an accountant, no. Being cautious has always been wise, and the word careful has been an admonishment since before the Tenth Century. In Old English, the word cearful meant "mournful" or "full of care or concern," the second meaning not too far from our current definition, that of "using care." While we are often warned to be careful about things in our life, Ralph Waldo Emerson observed that "A man is usually more careful of his money than he is of his principles."
Vocabulary lists containing careful
"Earthquake"
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Cormac McCarthy's "The Road"
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Unit 9
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The potential refunds, additionally, present opportunities for scammers if people aren’t careful.
From MarketWatch • May 27, 2026
In Morrison’s letter to the judge, she thanked the investigators for discovering the truth about Iwamasa and the judge for her “calm and careful deliberation.”
From Los Angeles Times • May 27, 2026
No doubt, Blanche was careful to avoid the language of pardons for fear of political backlash.
From Slate • May 26, 2026
Ms. Arnold packs a sometimes dizzying amount of detail into this slim volume, balancing a deep interest in her subject with a careful respect for these unfortunate ships and their passengers and crew.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026
Danny stepped closer, one careful foot at a time.
From "The Way to Rio Luna" by Zoraida Cordova
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
