precaution

noun

pre·​cau·​tion pri-ˈkȯ-shən How to pronounce precaution (audio)
Synonyms of precaution
1
: care taken in advance : foresight
warned of the need for precaution
2
: a measure taken beforehand to prevent harm or secure good : safeguard
take the necessary precautions
precautionary
pri-ˈkȯ-shə-ˌner-ē How to pronounce precaution (audio)
adjective

Synonyms of precaution

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Examples of precaution in a Sentence

Be sure to follow the usual safety precautions when cooking outdoors. When driving, she always wears her seatbelt as a precaution. Every home owner should take precautions against fire. She took the precaution of packing extra medicine for the trip.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
When handling food, there are several important precautions that will help reduce the spread of Salmonella. — Kimberly Baker, The Conversation, 31 Aug. 2026 Officials said all remaining animals at the facility have been placed under quarantine as a precaution. — Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026 One week into trial, Meta agreed to a settlement that would require them to pay up to a $17 billion penalty, as well as enact a handful of safety precautions for accountholders 17 and under. — Elisabeth Garber-Paul, Rolling Stone, 29 Aug. 2026 The Royals took the precaution as Massey deals with concussion symptoms. — Kansas City Star, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for precaution

Word History

Etymology

French précaution, from Late Latin praecaution-, praecautio, from Latin praecavēre to guard against, from prae- + cavēre to be on one's guard — more at hear

First Known Use

1599, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of precaution was in 1599

Rhymes for precaution

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Browse Nearby Words

precatory words
precaution
precautionary
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Cite this Entry

“Precaution.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/precaution. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

precaution

noun
pre·​cau·​tion pri-ˈkȯ-shən How to pronounce precaution (audio)
1
: care taken in advance : foresight
2
: a measure taken beforehand to prevent harm or to bring about a good result
take precautions against fire
precautionary
-shə-ˌner-ē How to pronounce precaution (audio)
adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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