Possessing or exhibiting caution; attentive to probable effects and consequences of actions with a view to avoid danger or misfortune; prudent; circumspect; wary; watchful: as, a cautious general; a cautious advance.With of before the object of caution: wary in regard to the risks of; afraid or heedful of the dangers involved in.Over-prudent; timorous; timid.Synonyms Prudent, careful, wary, vigilant, heedful, thoughtful, scrupulous.