variants
also leary
as in wary
feeling or showing a lack of trust in someone or something
a leery attitude She seemed a little leery about the proposal. They were leery of their neighbors.
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 leery
The Republican governor has been leery of the more visually violent execution method.
—
Kevin Fixler, Idaho Statesman, 6 Mar. 2025
The Canucks, however, are leery about such a valuation to this point.
—Thomas Drance, The Athletic, 5 Mar. 2025
To an already leery viewer, Meghan lacking the openness and vulnerability that would allow a naysayer to connect with and change their opinion of her doesn’t help.
—Brande Victorian, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Mar. 2025
But judging from some of the commentary online, passengers are confused and perhaps leery of hopping on an airplane.
—Barbara Peterson, AFAR Media, 20 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for leery
Kevin Fixler, Idaho Statesman, 6 Mar. 2025
The Canucks, however, are leery about such a valuation to this point.
—Thomas Drance, The Athletic, 5 Mar. 2025
To an already leery viewer, Meghan lacking the openness and vulnerability that would allow a naysayer to connect with and change their opinion of her doesn’t help.
—Brande Victorian, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Mar. 2025
But judging from some of the commentary online, passengers are confused and perhaps leery of hopping on an airplane.
—Barbara Peterson, AFAR Media, 20 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for leery
Recent Examples of Synonyms for leery
Adjective
-
The study, by the Kearney Consumer Institute, found that consumers are wary of spending.—
Betty Lin-Fisher,
USA Today,
20 Apr. 2025
-
Europe is wary of sleepwalking back into the trap of reliance on Russian energy resources that caused an energy crisis at the outset of the 2022 invasion and mounting speculation that Europe might reopen its taps has sparked pushback from key European voices.—
Ariel Cohen,
Forbes.com,
19 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
While public support for cannabis legalization has grown, recent events indicate a more cautious approach.—
Matt Rozo,
Mercury News,
28 Apr. 2025
-
So for a couple of reasons, the Red Sox are playing it cautious with Anthony, even with the latest foot injury, undoubtedly to the frustration of most of their fan base.—
Jen McCaffrey,
New York Times,
28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Some are skeptical given his slight wingspan and arm length and wonder if a move to left guard may eventually be necessary.—
Chad Graff,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2025
-
Listen, many Gomez fans were skeptical when the singer confirmed her relationship with the prolific music producer back in December 2023.—
Emily Tannenbaum,
Glamour,
25 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Leery.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leery. Accessed 3 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share