Definitions

careful

[kair-fuhl] / ˈkɛər fəl /

ADJECTIVE

cautious; painstaking

Synonyms

STRONGEST

accurate attentive choosy circumspect concerned conscientious deliberate discreet judicious leery meticulous mindful precise prudent rigorous scrupulous sober thorough thoughtful vigilant wary

STRONG

detail-oriented

WEAK

alert apprehensive assiduous chary conservative cool exacting fastidious finicky fussy going to great lengths guarded heedful observant particular playing safe prim protective provident punctilious regardful religious selfdisciplined shy solicitous solid

Antonyms

STRONGEST

careless false foolish heedless idiotic inaccurate inattentive incautious inconsiderate indiscreet inexact irrational lax loose negligent questionable rash reckless thoughtless uncareful uncaring unscrupulous unwise

WEAK

unconcerned

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

While some types of next-generation geothermal could create risks of water contamination or overconsumption, careful design can avoid this problem.

From BBC • Jun. 25, 2026

Binance said it had decided to withdraw its Greek application " after careful consideration of the status and the timeline of the process in Greece, with our users’ interests at the center."

From Barron's • Jun. 25, 2026

Much of early topographical anatomy – the careful mapping of structures in relation to one another – depended on cadavers obtained through grave robbery.

From Science Daily • Jun. 21, 2026

“We have to be very careful with it,” Trump told reporters at the G-7.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 20, 2026

And so long as you and me you and I are careful, I’m going to tell you.

From "The Detective's Assistant" by Kate Hannigan

Vocabulary lists containing careful

"Earthquake"

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Cormac McCarthy's "The Road"

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Unit 9

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