Search Dictionary
Definition of careful

careful

/ˈkɛərfəl/
care · ful
Adverb:carefully
JUMP TO:

careful Lexical Profile

careful Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Making sure of avoiding potential danger, mishap, or harm; exercising caution and alertness.

Example

"Please be careful when walking across the icy pavement."

2

Done with or showing thought, thoroughness, and close attention to detail.

Example

"After a careful examination of the historical records, the archivist confirmed the document's authenticity."

3

Prudent and economical in the use of money or resources; avoiding waste.

Example

"They were always careful with their savings so they could afford a comfortable retirement."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for careful
Antonyms
View all antonyms for careful

• Rhymes for careful

• Nearby Words

careerist
carefree
carefreeness
careful
carefully
carefulness
caregiver

Word Origin & Etymology

From Old English 'carful', formed from 'caru' (grief, sorrow, anxiety, or care) and '-full'. Originally meaning 'full of grief or anxiety', the sense shifted in Middle English toward 'exercising caution and attentiveness'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Careful. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/careful
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.