Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective circumspect contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of circumspect are cautious, chary, and wary. While all these words mean "prudently watchful and discreet in the face of danger or risk," circumspect suggests less fear and stresses the surveying of all possible consequences before acting or deciding.

circumspect in his business dealings

When could cautious be used to replace circumspect?

The words cautious and circumspect can be used in similar contexts, but cautious implies the exercise of forethought usually prompted by fear of danger.

a cautious driver

When is chary a more appropriate choice than circumspect?

While the synonyms chary and circumspect are close in meaning, chary implies a cautious reluctance to give, act, or speak freely.

chary of signing papers without having read them first

In what contexts can wary take the place of circumspect?

The words wary and circumspect are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, wary emphasizes suspiciousness and alertness in watching for danger and cunning in escaping it.

keeps a wary eye on the competition

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 circumspect But other governments may well be less circumspect. Anna Cooban, CNN Money, 4 Apr. 2025 After his ouster, Republican lawmakers who support Mr. Trump were circumspect. Julian E. Barnes, New York Times, 22 Feb. 2025 Blum said that Japanese collectors are more circumspect than Western collectors in their approach to choosing works for purchase. Zachary Small, New York Times, 25 Jan. 2025 Sheinbaum was equally circumspect on the 25% tariffs Trump has vowed to impose on Mexican imports if the country fails to stop U.S.-bound traffic of drugs and migrants. Patrick J. McDonnell, Los Angeles Times, 21 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for circumspect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for circumspect
Adjective
  • Protect kids, whose skin is especially sensitive to UV damage Be cautious around water and sand, which reflect UV rays and increase exposure Check the UV index in your area for real-time guidance on sun safety To see the entire 2025 Annual Guide to Sunscreens report, click here.
    Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 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
  • This thing is razor sharp though, be careful when using it in the backcountry.
    Scott Gilbertson, Wired News, 25 May 2025
  • 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
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

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Cite this Entry

“Circumspect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/circumspect. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

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