CIRCUMSPECT Synonyms: 63 Similar and Opposite Words

circumspect

adjective

ˈsər-kəm-ˌspekt

as in cautious

having or showing a close attentiveness to avoiding danger or trouble she has a reputation for being quiet and circumspect in investigating charges of child abuse

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the adjective circumspect contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of circumspect are cautious, chary, and wary. While all these words mean "prudently watchful and discreet in the face of danger or risk," circumspect suggests less fear and stresses the surveying of all possible consequences before acting or deciding.

circumspect in his business dealings

When could cautious be used to replace circumspect?

The words cautious and circumspect can be used in similar contexts, but cautious implies the exercise of forethought usually prompted by fear of danger.

a cautious driver

When is chary a more appropriate choice than circumspect?

While the synonyms chary and circumspect are close in meaning, chary implies a cautious reluctance to give, act, or speak freely.

chary of signing papers without having read them first

In what contexts can wary take the place of circumspect?

The words wary and circumspect are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, wary emphasizes suspiciousness and alertness in watching for danger and cunning in escaping it.

keeps a wary eye on the competition

Examples Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of circumspect Players with lower rankings and less income — both from prize money, and the sponsorship deals that come with success — can’t afford to be as circumspect as the top players. —

Charlie Eccleshare, The Athletic, 9 July 2024 Other industry veterans were circumspect when asked about how Trump could affect business. —

Mary Jane Gibson, Rolling Stone, 8 Dec. 2024 While Waymo has been somewhat circumspect about exactly how its self-driving tech works in the past, the company now believes that offering a closer look under the proverbial hood is important for autonomous cars to gain wider acceptance. —

Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2024 While several countries threw their full backing behind the ICC, others were more circumspect. —

Reuters, NBC News, 22 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for circumspect

Recent Examples of Synonyms for circumspect

Adjective

The Federal Reserve is right to be cautious and see how all of these factors play out in 2025.

Harry Holzer, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
Local and state agencies are urging the public to be cautious as the Charlotte area prepares for likely snow and ice.

Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 10 Jan. 2025