cautionary
5 synonyms for cautionary, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Serving as a warning.
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.
How to use cautionary
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
cautionary tale
cautionary note
Etymology
From Medieval Latin cautionarius, related to caution.
Full origin of cautionary →Frequently asked questions
What does “cautionary” mean?
The word “cautionary” means serving as a warning. In plain terms, meant to warn people about something risky or unwise.
How do you pronounce “cautionary”?
“Cautionary” is pronounced KAW-shuh-nuh-ree (/ˈkɔʃəˌnɛɹi/ in IPA).
How do you use “cautionary” in a sentence?
Here is “cautionary” used in a sentence: “The film is meant as a cautionary tale about the dangers of greed.”
What part of speech is “cautionary”?
“Cautionary” is an adjective.
Where does the word “cautionary” come from?
The word “cautionary” comes from Medieval Latin. From Medieval Latin cautionarius, related to caution.
