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Synonyms

overcautious

American  
[oh-ver-kaw-shuhs] / ˈoʊ vərˈkɔ ʃəs /

adjective

  1. excessively or unnecessarily cautious.

    Sometimes it doesn't pay to be overcautious in business.


Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of overcautious

First recorded in 1700–10; over- + cautious

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.

See Examples For:

But Alan Rusbridger, who sits on Meta's Oversight Board, says the industry has been "overcautious" in its moderation.

From BBC May 31, 2023

Whether due to play-calling, pass rush, tight coverage or overcautious decisions by Cousins, their most obvious limitation was a dearth of deep completions to Jefferson, Thielen or K.J.

From Seattle Times Nov. 1, 2021

Be overcautious and a perfectly clear day goes to waste; be too bold and put the performers, audience and equipment at risk.

From New York Times Aug. 4, 2021

He added that the “leadership has seemed overcautious in some of its statements,” but added that “much of the real, essential work of the WHO” goes on at lower, professional levels.

From Washington Post May 30, 2020

The first two boys to face the varsity players were both overcautious, spareboned, young, and fearful of sudden error and humiliation.

From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy

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