Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective chary contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of chary are cautious, circumspect, and wary. While all these words mean "prudently watchful and discreet in the face of danger or risk," chary implies a cautious reluctance to give, act, or speak freely.

chary of signing papers without having read them first

In what contexts can cautious take the place of chary?

The words cautious and chary are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, cautious implies the exercise of forethought usually prompted by fear of danger.

a cautious driver

When is it sensible to use circumspect instead of chary?

While the synonyms circumspect and chary are close in meaning, circumspect suggests less fear and stresses the surveying of all possible consequences before acting or deciding.

circumspect in his business dealings

When would wary be a good substitute for chary?

Although the words wary and chary have much in common, wary emphasizes suspiciousness and alertness in watching for danger and cunning in escaping it.

keeps a wary eye on the competition

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of chary A lot of people were mildly chary of its prospects. The Economist, 13 Mar. 2021 He’s not as guarded or chary as he was immersed in the Boston Baseball Experience, where one wrong step or word can spark furor. Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 18 July 2022 Knox was a bit chary on specifics, but no athlete allows that many injections without asking questions. Richard A. Lovett, Outside Online, 1 Sep. 2021 Beautiful is a strong word, and artists, critics and scholars are chary of it. Washington Post, 3 Nov. 2021 With a writer so chary of detail, the reader rushes to fill in. Caleb Crain, The Atlantic, 10 Aug. 2021 That tone is most obvious in the author’s chary regard of his icon. John Semley, The New Republic, 26 May 2021 Evangelical Christians, traditionally chary of getting involved in partisan politics. Rick Perlstein, Smithsonian Magazine, 17 Aug. 2020 The autocratic Chinese government is also chary of any display of mass mobilization, even benign ones like Pride. Charlie Campbell / Shanghai, Time, 15 June 2018
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chary
Adjective
  • But despite that backing, most Americans are wary of the consequences.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 June 2025
  • But even those vendors that are likely to still be in the mix remain wary.
    Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 18 June 2025
Adjective
  • The prospect of higher inflation even as present data looks mild has led to a staredown between the Fed, which has advocated for a cautious approach on cutting interest rates in case tariffs do worsen inflation, and Trump, who has aggressively called for big cuts.
    Derek Saul, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
  • Fire officials warn the public to be cautious and clean up debris around homes as the warmer months bring out more rattlesnakes.
    Helena Wegner, Sacbee.com, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • For most, wealth results from years of hard work, careful planning, and disciplined saving.
    Georgette Virgo, USA Today, 19 June 2025
  • However, be careful of blurring the distinction between professional and personal relationships.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 19 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Chary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chary. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.

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