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Synonym Chooser

How is the word careful different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of careful are meticulous, punctilious, and scrupulous. While all these words mean "showing close attention to detail," careful implies attentiveness and cautiousness in avoiding mistakes.

a careful worker

When can meticulous be used instead of careful?

Although the words meticulous and careful have much in common, meticulous may imply either commendable extreme carefulness or a hampering finicky caution over small points.

meticulous scholarship

When could punctilious be used to replace careful?

The words punctilious and careful are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, punctilious implies minute, even excessive attention to fine points.

punctilious observance of ritual

In what contexts can scrupulous take the place of careful?

While in some cases nearly identical to careful, scrupulous applies to what is proper or fitting or ethical.

scrupulous honesty

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 careful Momentum is a real thing within the postseason, and if the Thunder aren't careful, Minnesota could sneak back into this matchup. Matt Levine, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 May 2025 This thing is razor sharp though, be careful when using it in the backcountry. Scott Gilbertson, Wired News, 25 May 2025 Period production and costume design (by Anthony Gasparro and Amy Roth, respectively) are instantly evocative of the era, while being careful never to distract with conspicuous kitsch. David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 23 May 2025 From examining markets and assessing team capacity to reviewing current offerings, the decision to expand to a second storefront is one that requires careful consideration before any concrete plans are put in motion. Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for careful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for careful
Adjective
  • Younger teammates were cautious to approach him, mindful of his intense dedication to his process and wary of disrupting it.
    Rustin Dodd, New York Times, 22 May 2025
  • While there's no way to know who will have a reaction to the stings, Suiter says that anyone who carries an Epipen for other stinging insects should be exceptionally cautious.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • But Reza doesn’t let his meticulous consideration stop at the stunning accessories the masion offers.
    Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 24 May 2025
  • Using sonar systems on Sentry and the research vessel Atlantis, the team was able to successfully conduct meticulous surveys of the submarine.
    Stephen Smith, CBS News, 24 May 2025
Adjective
  • While some swear by the cleaning product for disinfecting their dishwasher, others may be wary and opt for something different.
    Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 26 May 2025
  • Those in disaster-prone states, such as Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) in Florida, hold a pessimistic view of FEMA and are wary of affording it greater power.
    Hailey Bullis, The Washington Examiner, 26 May 2025
Adjective
  • Hybrid tea roses are the classic case as continual new waves of flowers depend on conscientious removal of spent blooms.
    Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 24 May 2025
  • And a committed Marxist's cold-blooded murder of two Israeli embassy staffers in Washington, D.C. Wednesday night was the natural and inevitable consequence of a conscientious, years-long campaign to dehumanize Jews and otherize all supporters of the world's only Jewish state.
    Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 May 2025
Adjective
  • Find the right time: Consider rescheduling strenuous activities to early morning or evening if possible. Be alert to warning signs: Educate yourself about the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 28 May 2025
  • But her watchful, alert bearing imbues the character with a sort of unspoken backstory.
    Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • Soto should, of course, get a loving reception from the Bleacher Creatures on Friday night, no?
    Will Sammon, New York Times, 16 May 2025
  • Tina Knowles remembers growing up in a loving and raucous family of nine.
    Sara Sidner, CNN Money, 11 May 2025
Adjective
  • Most of us who are mindful of the sun are likely diligent about our SPF application — and reapplication — on areas like our noses and the tops of our ears.
    Claire Sullivan, Footwear News, 30 May 2025
  • Now, perhaps more than ever, investors need to be diligent in an increasingly speculative market.
    David Trainer, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Careful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/careful. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

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