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.
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
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
Many are leery that the new transmission lines will power the artificial intelligence boom, not just the oil and gas industry.
—
Claire Hao, Houston Chronicle, 24 Mar. 2026
Again, be leery of shady characters who prey on people at their most vulnerable.
—Harlan Vaughn, CNBC, 23 Mar. 2026
Despite the kumbaya of last season, many of the moms remain leery of welcoming Demi back into the fold with open arms, and the reunion will be the first big test to see if their fragile peace actually holds.
—Kathleen Walsh, Vulture, 12 Mar. 2026
Rising oil prices and leery markets could spook the president into pulling back from the conflict.
—Joel Mathis, TheWeek, 11 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for leery
Claire Hao, Houston Chronicle, 24 Mar. 2026
Again, be leery of shady characters who prey on people at their most vulnerable.
—Harlan Vaughn, CNBC, 23 Mar. 2026
Despite the kumbaya of last season, many of the moms remain leery of welcoming Demi back into the fold with open arms, and the reunion will be the first big test to see if their fragile peace actually holds.
—Kathleen Walsh, Vulture, 12 Mar. 2026
Rising oil prices and leery markets could spook the president into pulling back from the conflict.
—Joel Mathis, TheWeek, 11 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for leery
Recent Examples of Synonyms for leery
Adjective
-
Many prospective buyers are now wary of taking on a mortgage.—
Chris Lau,
CNN Money,
18 May 2026
-
Be wary of requests for unusual payment methods, like peer-to-peer apps or checks.—
Janay Reece,
CBS News,
17 May 2026
Adjective
-
In a groove Phil Maton is cautious to ever declare that his delivery has fully come together.—
Meghan Montemurro,
Chicago Tribune,
13 May 2026
-
Beneath the measured pace of transactions — collectors more cautious, galleries recalibrating, auction houses tempering expectations — the intellectual and aesthetic stakes of contemporary art feel newly urgent.—
Andrew S. Jacobson,
Baltimore Sun,
13 May 2026
Adjective
-
Travelers should be cautiously skeptical Ignoring professional advice isn't necessarily a bad trend.—
Christopher Elliott,
USA Today,
15 May 2026
-
Others are purely skeptical and believe a dialogue could backfire.—
Morgan Chalfant,
semafor.com,
15 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Leery.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leery. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
