What does "caution" mean?
Prudence when faced with, or when expecting to face, danger; care taken in order to avoid risk or harm.
Caution
/ˈkɔːʃ(ə)n/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: Prudence when faced with, or when expecting to face, danger; care taken in order to avoid risk or harm.
- Grammar: caution is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: carefulness, circumspection, care, cautiousness.
- Useful contrasts: high nerve energy, impetuous energy, neglig.
- Usage evidence: Let's take the utmost caution against errors.
How to use "caution"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "caution" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "caution" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "caution" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "caution" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "caution" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "carefulness" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "caution", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 Prudence when faced with, or when expecting to face, danger; care taken in order to avoid risk or harm. countable, uncountable
"take caution"
- 2 the trait of being cautious; being attentive to possible danger wordnet
- 3 A careful attention to the probable effects of an act, in order that failure or harm may be avoided. countable, uncountable
"The guideline expressed caution against excessive radiographic imaging."
- 4 the trait of being circumspect and prudent wordnet
- 5 Security; guaranty; bail. countable, uncountable
"The Parliament would yet give his majesty sufficient caution that the war should be vigorously prosecuted."
Show 5 more definitions
- 6 judiciousness in avoiding harm or danger wordnet
- 7 One who draws attention or causes astonishment by their behaviour. countable, dated, uncountable
"Oh, that boy, he's a caution! He does make me laugh."
- 8 a warning against certain acts wordnet
- 9 A formal warning given as an alternative to prosecution in minor cases. countable, uncountable
- 10 A yellow card. countable, uncountable
Verb
- 1 To warn; to alert, advise that caution is warranted. transitive
"In its May 1965 issue, Life magazine condemned skateboards as a “menace to limb and even to life,” and cautioned readers about riders who “take over the paths made for peaceful strollers.”"
- 2 warn strongly; put on guard wordnet
- 3 To give a yellow card.
Antonyms
Example
"Let's take the utmost caution against errors."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "caution"?
Common synonyms include: carefulness, circumspection, care, cautiousness, caveat, prudence.
How do you use "caution" in a sentence?
Let's take the utmost caution against errors.
How do you pronounce "caution"?
Pronounced /ˈkɔːʃ(ə)n/.
Etymology
Recorded since 1297 as Middle English caucioun (“bail, guarantee, pledge”), from Old French caution (“security, surety”), itself from Latin cautiō, from cautus, past participle of caveō, cavēre (“be on one's guard”).