caution

1 of 2

noun

cau·​tion ˈkȯ-shən How to pronounce caution (audio)
Synonyms of caution
1
: warning, admonishment
Her comments were intended as a caution to us to protect our property.
2
: precaution
a surgeon taking the caution of sterilizing his instruments
3
: prudent forethought to minimize risk
Use caution when operating a chainsaw.
4
: one that astonishes or commands attention
Some shoes you see … these days are a caution.—Esquire
cautionary
ˈkȯ-shə-ˌner-ē How to pronounce caution (audio)
-ne-rē
adjective

caution

2 of 2

verb

cautioned; cautioning ˈkȯ-sh(ə-)niŋ How to pronounce caution (audio)

transitive verb

: to advise caution to : warn
She cautioned him not to act rashly.

Synonyms of caution

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Noun

Verb

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of caution in a Sentence

Noun You should use caution when operating the electric saw. He injected a note of caution in his talk. Her financial adviser urged caution before investing in the project. The roads are slippery: drive with extreme caution. Her comments were intended as a caution to us to protect our property. A note of caution: be sure that the electricity is off before you install the ceiling fan. She was given a caution by the magistrate. Verb Officials are cautioning that the war may continue for years. “Don't decide too quickly,” she cautioned. He was cautioned for speeding.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Noun
Drivers are urged to slow down and use extra caution to avoid hydroplaning. — Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 5 July 2026 Take extra caution when on the road or avoid driving if possible. — Kansas City Star Weather Bot, Kansas City Star, 5 July 2026
Verb
Fancher cautions that a partial blockage can turn into a full one fast when a house full of guests strains the plumbing. — Sharon Wu, USA Today, 4 July 2026 The health agency cautioned that its tallies underestimate the true death toll, because they’re based on incomplete data. — John Leicester, Fortune, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for caution

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Latin caution-, cautio precaution, from cavēre to be on one's guard — more at hear

First Known Use

Noun

1566, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1683, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of caution was in 1566

Phrases Containing caution

Rhymes for caution

See All Rhymes for caution

Browse Nearby Words

cautio
caution
cautionary
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Caution.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/caution. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

caution

1 of 2 noun
cau·​tion ˈkȯ-shən How to pronounce caution (audio)
1
: admonition, warning
2
: carefulness in regard to danger
3
: someone or something that astonishes or catches one's attention

caution

2 of 2 verb
cautioned; cautioning ˈkȯ-sh(ə-)niŋ How to pronounce caution (audio)
: to advise caution to : warn

More from Merriam-Webster on caution

Nglish: Translation of caution for Spanish Speakers

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