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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 This decision reflects careful consideration and was made in light of today’s challenging financial environment. Imani Cruzen, Twin Cities, 6 June 2025 But as the Trump administration has rolled out immigration policies targeting Venezuelans, Haitians and Cubans, GOP officials in Miami have had to draw a careful balance between supporting the White House and the many immigrants in their district affected by Trump’s immigration agenda. Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 6 June 2025 Early-stage international expansion requires careful legal and tax entity structuring, banking setup, capital planning and foreign exchange management. Sunayana Gutta, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025 Rome is known to be a relatively safe city (though tourists should be careful about pickpockets around popular sites) and easy to get around. Daliah Singer, Denver Post, 5 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for careful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for careful
Adjective
  • The Chiefs, who have a history of being cautious with their rookies during summer practices, nonetheless had Simmons participate in non-team drills during rookie minicamp last month.
    Jesse Newell, Kansas City Star, 3 June 2025
  • Here are some tips to choose high-quality olive oil: Be cautious with olive oils that bear significantly lower prices.
    Sohaib Imtiaz, Verywell Health, 2 June 2025
Adjective
  • This meticulous attention to detail makes the P3 series particularly effective for low-light observation, providing users with vibrant and clear views in challenging lighting conditions like those found whilst stargazing.
    Matt Morris, Space.com, 6 June 2025
  • Dungarpur recalls long hours spent restoring the film, reflecting on Ray’s meticulous attention to detail and how every frame was carefully storyboarded.
    THR India Staff, HollywoodReporter, 5 June 2025
Adjective
  • The pattern has left Iranians wary that any sign of instability is met with brutal suppression.
    Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 6 June 2025
  • Does the entertainment industry have a right to be wary of AI at this stage?
    Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 4 June 2025
Adjective
  • Jeff seems to be both the most conscientious and deplorable character.
    Andrew Wallenstein, Variety, 28 May 2025
  • This will be a huge advantage to my clients that can’t find enough hourly warehouse workers, or workers that are conscientious enough to track quantities in this manner.
    Gene Marks, Forbes.com, 4 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
  • Parks-Ramage doesn’t come to a specific conclusion, and although some of his more righteous characters seem to be firmly on the reproduction-is-immoral side, his depiction of Gabriel’s childlike wonder and imagination is tender and loving.
    Ilana Masad, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2025
  • This disorder also affects a parent’s ability to be an attentive and loving caregiver.
    Ty Schepis, The Conversation, 30 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 10 Jun. 2025.

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