1. Exercising caution or showing care or attention
   "did very careful research"; "careful art restorers"; "careful of the rights of others"; "careful about one's behaviour"; "they were careful when crossing the busy street"; "be careful to keep her shoes clean"
    
2. Cautiously attentive
   "careful of her feelings";
   - heedful
    
3. Unhurried and with care and dignity
   "with all careful speed";
   - deliberate, measured
    
4. Mindful of the future in spending money
   "careful with money";
   - thrifty
    
5. [archaic] Full of cares or anxiety
   "Thou art careful and troubled about many things"

See also: aware, blow-by-blow, carefulness, cautious, certain, close, conscientious, detailed, diligent, elaborate, elaborated, mindful, minute, narrow, overcareful, painstaking, particular, protective, provident, prudent, rigorous, scrupulous, studious, sure, thorough, troubled, unhurried

Antonym: careless

Encyclopedia: Careful, Soft Shoulders