A caveat is a warning of a specific limitation of something such as information or an agreement.
[formal]
I've given it to them, but with the caveat that it didn't work.
There was one caveat: he was not to enter into a merger or otherwise weaken the Rochefamily's control of the firm.
Synonyms: warning, caution, admonition, qualification More Synonyms of caveat
caveat in British English
(ˈkeɪvɪˌæt, ˈkæv-)
noun
1. law
a formal notice requesting the court or officer to refrain from taking some specified action without giving prior notice to the person lodging the caveat
2.
a warning; caution
Word origin
C16: from Latin, literally: let him beware
caveat in American English
(ˈkeɪviˌæt; ˈkæviˌæt; ˈkɑveɪˌɑt)
noun
1. Law
a formal notice that an interested party files with the proper legal authorities, directing them to refrain from an action until the party can be heard
2.
a warning
Word origin
L, let him beware; 3d pers. sing., pres. subj., of cavere, to beware, take heed: see hear
Examples of 'caveat' in a sentence
caveat
Now, one or two caveats are worth making.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
He had ignored warnings, caveats and evidence.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
There is one caveat, though.
The Sun (2017)
But do bear in mind those caveats.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
But they have come with one big caveat.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
The show ended without a chance for me to add my caveat.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
There remain important caveats about property investment.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
The most important caveat is not to mix managerial units and entrepreneurial ones.
Peter F. Drucker THE ESSENTIAL DRUCKER (2001)
The important caveat is that they are not just doing it for money.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
But there is one huge caveat.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Of course, the usual caveats apply.
Dylan Evans PLACEBO: The Belief Effect (2003)
It is an interesting notion, though there are some huge caveats.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
With that caveat in mind, all organisations understand measurement by money.
O'Connor, Joseph & Seymour, John Training with N.L.P. (1994)
There is one big caveat, though.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
Of course, it comes with all the usual caveats.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Before playing these three cards, one should bear in mind two powerful caveats.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
All of which is fine, with one or two caveats.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
I say that with just the one caveat.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
It adds that it provides clear information about all the genetic variants tested, with any relevant caveats and warnings.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
We should add some caveats.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
But the usual caveats, political risk and iron ore prices in particular, still apply.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
With those caveats in mind, here's the lowdown.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
(noun)
Definition
a caution
He added the caveat that all the figures in the survey were suspect.
Synonyms
warning
health warning about the overconsumption of sugar
caution
The others got off with a caution but I was fined.
admonition
She is full of admonitions about smoking now that she's given up.
qualification
The empirical evidence is subject to many qualifications.
proviso
I accept, with the proviso that Jane agrees.
reservation
condition
They had agreed to a summit subject to certain conditions.
Additional synonyms
in the sense of admonition
She is full of admonitions about smoking now that she's given up.
Synonyms
reprimand,
warning,
advice,
counsel,
caution,
rebuke,
reproach,
scolding,
berating,
chiding,
telling off (informal),
upbraiding,
reproof,
remonstrance (formal)
in the sense of caution
Definition
a formal warning given to a person suspected of an offence
The others got off with a caution but I was fined.
Synonyms
reprimand,
warning,
injunction,
admonition
in the sense of condition
Definition
a term of an agreement
They had agreed to a summit subject to certain conditions.