GUN-SHY Synonyms: 81 Similar and Opposite Words

gun-shy

adjective

Definition of gun-shy

as in wary

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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 gun-shy But the specter of political consequences has officials in Miami feeling gun-shy about taking a public stance that could incite the wrath of the state and federal governments. — Miami Herald, 12 Feb. 2026 City staff members and officials remain a little gun-shy, Hazeltine said. — Susan Gill Vardon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Dec. 2025 Underneath the puns and pumps was a dress-down of the rom-com that ultimately told the story of a woman who fell in love, came out worse, and became gun-shy. — Mathew Rodriguez, Them., 30 May 2025 His recent comments paint a picture of a gun-shy quarterback hesitant to throw the ball downfield. — ABC News, 8 Sep. 2024 See All Example Sentences for gun-shy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for gun-shy

Adjective

Watch out for predatory practices, like APRs above 36%, and be wary of lenders that guarantee approval or demand an upfront payment in exchange for a loan.

— Dan Avery,Jasmin Suknanan, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2026
As reflected in the relatively tight election, nearly half of voters are a bit wary about whether Raman would move the city’s policy and philosophy orientation too far to the left.

— Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of wary

Adjective

Investors have grown leery of how much growth is being driven by companies in the artificial intelligence race.

— ABC News, ABC News, 7 Oct. 2026
Bessent could face credibility challenges from a market already growing skeptical and leery of the challenges Treasurys are facing.

— Jeff Cox, CNBC, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of leery

Adjective

During this time, mature bucks become increasingly active and less cautious to establish dominance within their territory.

— Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 7 Nov. 2026
The challenge now is balancing expansion with operational discipline, particularly as Cava enters new markets and consumers become more cautious about spending.

— Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of cautious

Adjective

There’s that Japanese concept of space and pause—in the wide corridors, the uncluttered lobby, the careful symmetry.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Nov. 2026
The first step was to tailor it to her size, while being careful to preserve the bespoke construction.

— Bella Webb, Vogue, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of careful

Adjective

Ivan, the younger son, is doubtful and skeptical of his father, whereas Andrey, the elder, is faithful and trusting—the twin archetypes of man’s relation to the divine.

— Joshua Yaffa, New Yorker, 2 Nov. 2026
He has been joined in recent years by tax-skeptical scholars at the Manhattan Institute and Tax Foundation.

— M. Nolan Gray, Washington Post, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of skeptical

Adjective

When over half of shoppers intentionally provide proxy emails or fake numbers to avoid spam and data exposure, brands end up building marketing strategies on flawed, unresponsive databases while alienating distrustful consumers.

— Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 4 Nov. 2026
In many instances Rama approaches difficult situations with restraint and adherence to dharma (righteous conduct), whereas Lakshmana is expressive, impulsive, quick to anger, and distrustful.

— Tamanna Nangia, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of distrustful

Adjective

Blink Indoor Camera Deal Keep a watchful eye on your indoor spaces using the Blink Mini 2K+ Indoor Camera.

— Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 29 Oct. 2026
Moments of anonymity were few and far between for Taylor, who was also under the watchful eye of Larry during that time.

— Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of watchful

Browse Nearby Words

gunshots

gun-shy

gurgle

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“Gun-shy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gun-shy. Accessed 10 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of gun-shy

adjective

Example Sentences

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