Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective wary contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of wary are cautious, chary, and circumspect. While all these words mean "prudently watchful and discreet in the face of danger or risk," wary emphasizes suspiciousness and alertness in watching for danger and cunning in escaping it.

keeps a wary eye on the competition

When would cautious be a good substitute for wary?

The meanings of cautious and wary largely overlap; however, cautious implies the exercise of forethought usually prompted by fear of danger.

a cautious driver

When might chary be a better fit than wary?

While in some cases nearly identical to wary, chary implies a cautious reluctance to give, act, or speak freely.

chary of signing papers without having read them first

In what contexts can circumspect take the place of wary?

In some situations, the words circumspect and wary are roughly equivalent. However, circumspect suggests less fear and stresses the surveying of all possible consequences before acting or deciding.

circumspect in his business dealings

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 wary Many aides are very wary of getting ahead of Trump given his unpredictability. Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 18 June 2025 But with state officials expecting to lose hundreds of millions of dollars in aid from Washington, and with Lamont blocking progressives from increasing state taxes on the wealthy as a safeguard, Connecticut officials were wary to dole out much tax relief. Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 17 June 2025 Something tells me those wary rascals spotted us and gave us the slip. Percy Brown, Outdoor Life, 12 June 2025 The pattern has left Iranians wary that any sign of instability is met with brutal suppression. Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 6 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for wary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wary
Adjective
  • Be extra cautious if recreating with sparks or flame.
    Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 June 2025
  • Unlike his predecessor Pope Francis, who often spoke off the cuff, Leo is more cautious and speaks from a prepared text.
    Joshua McElwee, USA Today, 15 June 2025
Adjective
  • While the latest inflation and jobs market reports showed that any disruption caused by tariffs has so far been minor, the Fed is clearly being careful about what could happen in the coming weeks and months.
    Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 June 2025
  • However, be careful of blurring the distinction between professional and personal relationships.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 19 June 2025
Adjective
  • Be alert to warning signs: Educate yourself about the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 22 June 2025
  • Here's a breakdown of the three-tiered alert system from the NWS and what each level entails: High wind warning: Take action!
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 22 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Wary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wary. Accessed 29 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on wary

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