as in safeguard
a measure taken to preclude loss or injury
as parents of young children, they have taken the usual precaution of locking up their household cleansers
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Recent Examples of precaution
Ensure child and pet safety: Take every precaution to never leave young children and pets alone in vehicles, especially in extreme heat when car interiors can quickly become hazardous.
—
Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 13 July 2025
Stay well-informed and take the necessary precautions to shield yourself and others from the potential hazards of extreme heat.
—Southern California Weather Report, Oc Register, 13 July 2025
Forecasters predict the worst of a record-setting heat wave may soon be over — but millions still need to take precautions to stay safe from dangerous heat.
—Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 26 June 2025
Castor oil packs are generally safe for most people when used correctly, but there are a few precautions to keep in mind:13141516
Skin reactions: Castor oil may cause itching, redness, or rashes in people with sensitive skin or allergies.
—Lindsay Curtis, Health, 25 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for precaution
Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 13 July 2025
Stay well-informed and take the necessary precautions to shield yourself and others from the potential hazards of extreme heat.
—Southern California Weather Report, Oc Register, 13 July 2025
Forecasters predict the worst of a record-setting heat wave may soon be over — but millions still need to take precautions to stay safe from dangerous heat.
—Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 26 June 2025
Castor oil packs are generally safe for most people when used correctly, but there are a few precautions to keep in mind:13141516
Skin reactions: Castor oil may cause itching, redness, or rashes in people with sensitive skin or allergies.
—Lindsay Curtis, Health, 25 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for precaution
Recent Examples of Synonyms for precaution
Noun
-
Show who’s accountable, what safeguards exist, and why automation supports (not replaces) your workforce.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
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Similarly, Grok 4 may have had less emphasis on eliminating bias in its training or fewer safeguards in place to prevent such outputs.—
Matteo Wong,
The Atlantic,
11 July 2025
Noun
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Padlocks, sickles and other objects made of iron, a metal said to possess anti-demonic powers, were stashed in the grave as preventives.—
Franz Lidz,
New York Times,
5 Sep. 2023
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But although human vaccines function primarily as preventives, offering immunity to animals such as black-footed ferrets can be a conservation strategy of last resort.—
Katherine J. Wu,
The Atlantic,
15 June 2023
Noun
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Others pertain to environmental regulations, vaccine requirements and public health protections.—
Scott Bauer,
Chicago Tribune,
8 July 2025
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Original price: $20 This two-pack of long-sleeve shirts features a sweat-wicking fabric and UPF 40+ sun protection.—
Caitlyn Martyn
may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom.,
FOXNews.com,
8 July 2025
Noun
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However, out of an abundance of caution, the FBI asks that the public avoid the area if possible.—
Dan Gooding
Shane Croucher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 July 2025
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Though he’s recovered much faster this time, his manager’s frequent refrain in recent weeks has been one of caution.—
Gabrielle Starr,
Boston Herald,
7 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Precaution.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/precaution. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
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