Step 1: Define the target word — "cautious" means being careful to avoid danger or mistakes. Step 2: Check each option: - bold: brave, not afraid — antonym of cautious - careless: not paying attention to risk — antonym of cautious - wary: feeling cautious or careful about possible danger — synonym of cautious - curious: eager to find out — a different meaning entirely Step 3: "wary" shares the same meaning as cautious — both describe careful alertness to risk. Answer: wary