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Definition of caveat

caveat

/ˈkæv.i.æt/
ca · ve · at
Plural:caveats
•
Past Simple:caveated
•
Past Participle:caveated
•
Present Participle:caveating
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caveat Lexical Profile

caveat Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A warning, proviso, or qualification of specific conditions, limitations, or stipulations attached to an agreement or statement.

Example

"The researcher presented her findings with the important caveat that the sample size was relatively small."

2

A formal legal notice filed by an interested party with a court or public officer requesting the suspension of a proceeding until the filer can be heard.

Example

"The heir's attorney lodged a caveat in probate court to contest the validity of the newly discovered will."

Synonyms
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• verb

1

To qualify a statement, report, or agreement with a warning, condition, or limitation.

Example

"The financial analyst caveated his optimistic forecast by noting the potential impact of rising interest rates."

2

To enter or file a formal legal notice requesting the suspension of a court proceeding or probate action.

Example

"The opposing counsel moved quickly to caveat against the summary distribution of the estate."

Synonyms
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• Nearby Words

cavalry
cavalryman
cave
caveat
cavefish
cavelike
caveman

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the mid-16th century directly from Latin 'caveat', the third-person singular present subjunctive of 'cavere' (meaning 'to beware'), literally translating to 'let a person beware.'

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Caveat. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/caveat
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