Definitions

circumspect

[sur-kuhm-spekt] / ˈsɜr kəmˌspɛkt /

ADJECTIVE

cautious, discreet

Synonyms

STRONGEST

cagey careful considerate discriminating judicious meticulous prudent scrupulous vigilant wary

WEAK

attentive calculating canny chary deliberate gingerly guarded heedful observant politic punctilious safe sagacious sage watchful

Antonyms

STRONGEST

careless foolish inattentive incautious indiscreet negligent reckless thoughtless unscrupulous unwise

WEAK

audacious bold rash uncareful uncircumspect unheedful

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.

However, recent data pointing to a sharp slowdown in economic growth has prompted some to grow more circumspect.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 16, 2026

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has been circumspect about Musk’s ambitions to put data centers in space, noting the problem of cooling infrastructure in a vacuum when asked in a recent interview.

From Barron's • Jun. 12, 2026

But they are more circumspect about those other requests, while saying they want to press on "at pace" in removing Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of succession.

From BBC • Feb. 24, 2026

Mr. Walesa is more circumspect when asked if he likes Mr. Trump.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 13, 2026

All of his life he had been circumspect in his dealings with such people.

From "The Heart is a Lonely Hunter" by Carson McCullers

Vocabulary lists containing circumspect

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Grade 11, List 2

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