INCAUTIOUS Synonyms: 52 Similar and Opposite Words

incautious

adjective

(ˌ)in-ˈkȯ-shəs

Definition of incautious

as in careless

not paying or showing close attention especially for the purpose of avoiding trouble an incautious comment got her in political hot water

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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 incautious Thieves on foot or on motorbikes snatch cellphones from incautious tourists. — Jon Lee Anderson, New Yorker, 29 Sep. 2025 Clearly, holding single parents legally responsible for incautious, negligent or irresponsible parenting could fill up jails and prisons and impoverish such families completely and radically. — Ellen Sauerbrey, Baltimore Sun, 18 Aug. 2025 The pace of activity quickens in the final few days and the last hours can be especially perilous to the public interest as legislators make incautious deals to get their own languishing proposals passed. — Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 4 May 2024 Nationalists call on the state to punish disloyal actors, such as Western brands, Chinese feminists, and incautious celebrities. — Chang Che, The New Yorker, 26 Mar. 2024 See All Example Sentences for incautious

Recent Examples of Synonyms for incautious

Adjective

Two other teens were cited for careless driving and performing risky stunts in a retail parking lot.

— Ashley Portillo, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
Jaynes pleaded not guilty Monday to a felony count of leaving the scene of an accident causing property damage of more than $10,000 and a traffic violation of careless and prohibited driving.

— Grant Lancaster, Arkansas Online, 29 July 2026

Definition of careless

Adjective

Roaches, rodent droppings and food stored at unsafe temperatures were found at Tarrant County food establishments during the latest round of health inspections, according to the inspection report.

— Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Aug. 2026
Rights groups ⁠say the crackdown has violated free speech and due process rights and created an unsafe environment, particularly for ethnic minorities, who have raised concerns about racial profiling.

— Kanishka Singh, USA Today, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of unsafe

Adjective

Smith said once caught, the suspect will face charges of making terroristic threats, harassment, simple assault, reckless endangerment and intimidation.

— Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2026
The teens face misdemeanors including trespassing and reckless conduct, and two were given citations for having pellet guns.

— Sara Machi, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of reckless

Browse Nearby Words

incaution

incautious

incautiously

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“Incautious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/incautious. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of incautious

adjective

Example Sentences

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