Circumspect — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /ˈsər-kəm-ˌspekt/ cir·cum·spect

Meaning & Definition of Circumspect

Circumspect (adjective)

  1. careful to consider all circumstances and possible consequences, prudent

Circumspect (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. 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"

    similar: alert, careful, cautious, chary, conservative, considerate, gingerly, guarded, heedful, safe, wary
    related: advertent, attentive, awake, observant, regardful, vigilant, watchful, hypercautious, foresighted, foresightful, forethoughtful, provident, thoughtful, cagey, calculating, canny, shrewd, deliberate, slow, ultracareful, ultracautious
    opposite: careless, heedless, incautious, unguarded, unmindful, unsafe, unwary
    near: bold, brash, impetuous, rash, reckless, venturesome, asleep, inattentive, regardless, inconsiderate, thoughtless, lax, neglectful, negligent, remiss, imprudent, indiscreet, injudicious, absentminded, forgetful, inadvertent, unintentional, unplanned

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Circumspect

The most common words with a similar meaning to Circumspect:

alert, careful, cautious, chary, conservative, considerate, gingerly, guarded, heedful, safe, wary

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Circumspect

Words with the opposite meaning of Circumspect:

careless, heedless, incautious, unguarded, unmindful, unsafe, unwary

Related Words for Circumspect

advertent, attentive, awake, observant, regardful, vigilant, watchful, hypercautious, foresighted, foresightful, forethoughtful, provident, thoughtful, cagey, calculating, canny, shrewd, deliberate, slow, ultracareful, ultracautious

Near Antonyms of Circumspect

bold, brash, impetuous, rash, reckless, venturesome, asleep, inattentive, regardless, inconsiderate, thoughtless, lax, neglectful, negligent, remiss, imprudent, indiscreet, injudicious, absentminded, forgetful, inadvertent, unintentional, unplanned

Word Forms of Circumspect

Derived words: circumspection (noun), circumspectly (adverb)

Origin & Etymology of Circumspect

Middle English, from Middle French or Latin; Middle French circonspect, from Latin circumspectus, from past participle of circumspicere to look around, be cautious, from circum- + specere to look spy

First known use: 15th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Circumspect

Frequently Asked Questions about Circumspect

What does "Circumspect" mean?

"Circumspect" means careful to consider all circumstances and possible consequences, prudent. As an adjective, it is defined as: careful to consider all circumstances and possible consequences, prudent.

What is another word for "Circumspect"?

Other words for "Circumspect" include alert, careful, cautious, chary, conservative, considerate, gingerly and guarded. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Circumspect" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Circumspect"?

There are 32 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Circumspect". Common alternatives include alert, careful, cautious, chary, conservative, considerate, gingerly, guarded, heedful and safe.

What is the opposite of "Circumspect"?

Antonyms of "Circumspect" include careless, heedless, incautious, unguarded, unmindful, unsafe and unwary. Near antonyms include bold, brash, impetuous and rash.

How do you use "Circumspect" in a sentence?

Examples of "Circumspect" in a sentence: "she has a reputation for being quiet and circumspect in investigating charges of child abuse".

Is "Circumspect" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Circumspect" is an adjective.

Is "Circumspect" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C2-level word, "Circumspect" is typical of Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE), IELTS band 8.5–9.0, TOEFL iBT 114–120, PTE Academic 85–90. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Circumspect"?

"Circumspect" is pronounced /ˈsər-kəm-ˌspekt/ and divided into syllables as cir·cum·spect.