caution
16 synonyms and 1 antonyms for caution, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Careful attention to avoid danger or mistakes.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use caution
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French caution ("security, guarantee"), from Latin cautio, from cavere, "to be on one's guard."
Full origin of caution →Frequently asked questions
What does “caution” mean?
The word “caution” means careful attention to avoid danger or mistakes. In plain terms, carefulness to avoid risk, or a formal warning; as a verb, to warn someone.
How do you pronounce “caution”?
“Caution” is pronounced KAWSHN (/ˈkɔʃ(ə)n/ in IPA).
How do you use “caution” in a sentence?
Here is “caution” used in a sentence: “Proceed with caution — the road is icy ahead.”
What is another word for “caution”?
Words with a similar meaning to “caution” include cautiousness, caginess, care, carefulness, circumspection and heed.
What is the opposite of “caution”?
The opposite of “caution” — its antonyms — is incaution.
What part of speech is “caution”?
Depending on how it is used, “caution” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “caution” come from?
The word “caution” comes from Latin. From Old French caution ("security, guarantee"), from Latin cautio, from cavere, "to be on one's guard.".
Is “caution” a common word?
“Caution” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between 'caution' and 'warning'?
'Caution' is careful attention to avoid danger or mistakes, and as a verb it means to advise someone of a risk. A 'warning' is usually stronger and more direct, alerting someone to a definite danger, whereas a caution urges care rather than signalling a clear threat.
What is the difference between 'caution' and 'precaution'?
'Caution' is the general quality of careful attention to avoid danger. A 'precaution' is a specific action taken in advance to prevent a problem, such as wearing a seatbelt; caution is the mindset, while a precaution is the concrete step.
What are common phrases that use 'caution'?
Frequent collocations include 'proceed with caution,' 'exercise caution,' and 'a word of caution.' The idiom 'throw caution to the wind' means to act boldly or recklessly without worrying about the risks.