wariness 1 of 2

wary

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adjective

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 wariness
Adjective
Overall, respondents were most wary of shrinking entitlement spending. Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 22 May 2025 The fluctuation in tariffs and the unpredictable trajectory of the stock market made potential buyers wary, leaving some sellers feeling panicked over their listings. Sara B. Hansen, Denver Post, 22 May 2025 Some Syrian industrialists are wary that the country’s drive for foreign investors may put local investors and businesses at a disadvantage. Taylor Luck, Christian Science Monitor, 21 May 2025 There is a chance the deal is not with the Mets, who could still be wary of committing to an aging slugger like Alonso. Aaliyan Mohammed, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for wariness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wariness
Adjective
  • The Chiefs, who have a history of being cautious with their rookies during summer practices, nonetheless had Simmons participate in non-team drills during rookie minicamp last month.
    Jesse Newell, Kansas City Star, 3 June 2025
  • Here are some tips to choose high-quality olive oil: Be cautious with olive oils that bear significantly lower prices.
    Sohaib Imtiaz, Verywell Health, 2 June 2025
Noun
  • The club is exercising extreme caution with the 24-year-old Mauricio.
    Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 30 May 2025
  • Out of an abundance of caution, Hormel Foods is voluntarily recalling 17,080 cases of a single code date of 20 oz.
    Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 May 2025
Adjective
  • Watch out for slippery roads: Be extra careful during the first half hour after rain begins.
    Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 25 May 2025
  • Many participants with conflicting ideologies also reported cohabiting peacefully for the most part, while being careful not to bring up divisive topics and focus on their similarities instead.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025
Noun
  • But, as stated above with any Kevin Durant possibilities, pick prudence certainly does have to be part of any Heat transaction machinations going forward.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 9 May 2025
  • Nonprofit plans, by contrast, often operate under strict reserve requirements, regulatory constraints and cultural norms that prioritize prudence over growth.
    Sachin H. Jain, Forbes.com, 7 May 2025
Adjective
  • Find the right time: Consider rescheduling strenuous activities to early morning or evening if possible. Be alert to warning signs: Educate yourself about the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 28 May 2025
  • But her watchful, alert bearing imbues the character with a sort of unspoken backstory.
    Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 22 May 2025
Noun
  • Prior to joining the billion-dollar body care and fragrance brand, Paik held the role at Impossible Foods and Juul Labs, respectively.
    Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 27 May 2025
  • Enhancing patient services: The university will increase its community presence through a growing network of NSU Health clinics, allowing for more student training with hands-on patient care.
    Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 27 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Wariness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wariness. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

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