as in cautious
having or showing a close attentiveness to avoiding danger or trouble
she has a reputation for being quiet and circumspect in investigating charges of child abuse
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
If the brothers are coy and circumspect about their personal lives, their working relationship is slightly less obtuse.
—
Katherine Turman, Los Angeles Times, 28 May 2025
Victor is sharply candid about mental health and, in equal measure, circumspect of those who are not.
—Jen Wang, Vogue, 27 May 2025
Speaking to The Times earlier, when asked if this dire moment might call for Rage’s return, Morello was circumspect about the band’s future.
—August Brown, Los Angeles Times, 17 June 2025
The panel conducts its business behind closed doors and is circumspect about its activities.
—Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 29 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for circumspect
Katherine Turman, Los Angeles Times, 28 May 2025
Victor is sharply candid about mental health and, in equal measure, circumspect of those who are not.
—Jen Wang, Vogue, 27 May 2025
Speaking to The Times earlier, when asked if this dire moment might call for Rage’s return, Morello was circumspect about the band’s future.
—August Brown, Los Angeles Times, 17 June 2025
The panel conducts its business behind closed doors and is circumspect about its activities.
—Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 29 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for circumspect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for circumspect
Adjective
-
Be cautious using public Wi-Fi Avoid logging into accounts on public Wi-Fi or always use a VPN.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
20 July 2025
-
Swimmers should be cautious of cold shock in waters below 60 degrees.—
Jalen Williams,
Freep.com,
18 July 2025
Adjective
-
The hamstring injury Mount suffered overextending his leg in the Manchester derby in December kept him out until March, and Amorim was careful to reintroduce him — and praised his diligence in returning to fitness.—
Laurie Whitwell,
New York Times,
25 July 2025
-
The trailer is careful to showcase the film’s scale – fighter planes soar, speedboats roar, trains careen, and cities flash by in a blur – while keeping plot details tantalizingly out of reach.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
25 July 2025
Adjective
-
Judge, always wary of self-congratulation, downplayed his contributions.—
Brendan Kuty,
New York Times,
25 July 2025
-
Those who did speak were wary of unintended consequences, particularly on special education or immigrant students.—
Cayla Bamberger,
New York Daily News,
24 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Circumspect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/circumspect. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share