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

Amazon’s $200 billion in third-quarter revenues were not enough to reassure investors, who have grown wary of the AI trade as surging debt and financing costs outpace revenues and push firms into negative cash flows.

— Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 30 Oct. 2026
Although the exhibition bears his name, McGee is wary of being the center of attention.

— Jane Horowitz, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 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

Be cautious about unfamiliar apps with extensive permissions.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026
And while Denton appears to be the right person to focus on cost savings and efficiencies, Wall Street remained cautious on the timing of Nike’s turnaround.

— Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of cautious

Adjective

Along with potentially leeching microplastics into your food, plastic food storage containers absorb stains, odors, and flavors, and many require careful hand-washing to prevent them from warping.

— Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 29 Oct. 2026
Gallery visitors were careful not to step on the sprawling assemblage of photographs, drawings and artifacts scattered across the floor.

— Jane Horowitz, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of careful

Adjective

Progressives like Melat Kiros have signaled their votes for Jeffries might be up for grabs unless their leadership embraces more left-leaning policies, but most Democrats are skeptical about major defections.

— Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 27 Oct. 2026
Gabriel, however, is more skeptical, arguing that infrastructure carries the incentives of the model that built it, making a brand with less influence likely to struggle to resist a parent company oriented around speed, efficiency, and growth.

— Jessica Binns, Vogue, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of skeptical

Adjective

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
Jones was often jealous, distrustful, possessive and controlling of his girlfriend, according to the Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney’s Office.

— Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of distrustful

Adjective

Under the watchful direction of director Brenda Porter, who is also the artistic director for Impact Theater, the cast is fine-tuning the drama.

— La'Tasha Givens, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026
Eufy Indoor Security Camera Deal Keep a watchful eye on your pets and living space with the dual-lens Eufy S350 4K Indoor Security Camera.

— Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of watchful

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gunshots

gun-shy

gurgle

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Style

“Gun-shy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gun-shy. Accessed 3 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of gun-shy

adjective

Example Sentences

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