as in wary
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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
But because Trump and the Republicans have been so effective in slapping extreme liberal caricatures on their opponents, Democrats are gun-shy.
—Mark Leibovich, The Atlantic, 11 Feb. 2026
With President Donald Trump sending armed federal agents into communities around the country, even more once gun-shy liberals and leftists are considering getting armed.
—Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 1 Feb. 2026
City staff members and officials remain a little gun-shy, Hazeltine said.
—Susan Gill Vardon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Dec. 2025
The pressure from both the U.S. and China has seemingly made Panama more gun-shy about those ports shifting hands, with numerous officials putting CK Hutchison’s partnership with the Panamanian government under scrutiny.
—Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 13 Aug. 2025
The writers gave The X-Files an award back in 1996 when the overall Academy was gun-shy about voting for it in Outstanding Drama.
—Joe Reid, Vulture, 2 Aug. 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
Miami Herald, 12 Feb. 2026
But because Trump and the Republicans have been so effective in slapping extreme liberal caricatures on their opponents, Democrats are gun-shy.
—Mark Leibovich, The Atlantic, 11 Feb. 2026
With President Donald Trump sending armed federal agents into communities around the country, even more once gun-shy liberals and leftists are considering getting armed.
—Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 1 Feb. 2026
City staff members and officials remain a little gun-shy, Hazeltine said.
—Susan Gill Vardon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Dec. 2025
The pressure from both the U.S. and China has seemingly made Panama more gun-shy about those ports shifting hands, with numerous officials putting CK Hutchison’s partnership with the Panamanian government under scrutiny.
—Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 13 Aug. 2025
The writers gave The X-Files an award back in 1996 when the overall Academy was gun-shy about voting for it in Outstanding Drama.
—Joe Reid, Vulture, 2 Aug. 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gun-shy
Adjective
-
But while many strategists still forecast at least a modest advance, investors are wary of a minefield of risks.—
Sarah Min,
CNBC,
10 Apr. 2026
-
Some council members were wary similar conflicts might crop up at the city.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Construction costs and interest rates are still high, tariffs hit key building materials last year, and many developers are still leery of taking over older properties in the Central Loop.—
Brian J. Rogal,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Apr. 2026
-
Idaho cities leery of state control Support, while bipartisan, wasn’t universal.—
Mark Dee
March 28,
Idaho Statesman,
28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Denim companies marketed to young people, but were cautious not to alienate other consumers.—
Jack Armstrong,
USA Today,
15 Apr. 2026
-
Consumers are advised to remain cautious when browsing online, with Sunday's office adding that clicking pop-up ads or banner promotions on legitimate sites can redirect users to third-party sellers that lack protections or guarantees.—
Garrett Behanna,
CBS News,
15 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
This requires careful monitoring of key parameters such as sugar and acidity from veraison through to harvest.—
Maureen Mackey , Kelly McGreal,
FOXNews.com,
11 Apr. 2026
-
Somewhere within him is the spirit of the patriotic teenager and the careful lower-court judge who rejected any notion of party loyalty or judicial agenda.—
Peter S. Canellos,
The Atlantic,
10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Scheiber is skeptical of forecasts projecting mass white-collar displacement in 18 months.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
10 Apr. 2026
-
Putin announced a temporary Easter ceasefire, but Ukraine remains skeptical after previous attempts to broker lasting truces have repeatedly failed with both sides trading accusations.—
Volodymyr Yurchuk,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
But even in 2000 when Hope VI grants allowed for Laurel Homes to be replaced, residents were distrustful, in part, because only 1,100 units were going up.—
Cameron Knight,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
8 Mar. 2026
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Border czar Tom Homan says more than a thousand federal agents have already left Minnesota, though many community members remain distrustful and fearful.—
WCCO Staff,
CBS News,
16 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Gallery guards keep a watchful eye on any verboten photo taking or loud conversation.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 Apr. 2026
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The agency said drivers would need to be in the vehicle and keep a watchful eye on it.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
11 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Murphy is a perfect fit for the Oilers, who are desperately trying to make another run at the Stanley Cup Final during the brief show-me window Connor McDavid has given them.—
Shayna Goldman,
New York Times,
2 Mar. 2026
-
He was signed last summer to a one-year show-me contract worth $900,000 per season.—
Steve Conroy,
Boston Herald,
18 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Gun-shy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gun-shy. Accessed 17 Apr. 2026.
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