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
Later, China pursued business ventures with Canada and the Nordic states, but these countries were wary of its investment terms—and under pressure from Washington—and slowly restricted Beijing’s access. Michael Albertus, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025 From the outset, however, American leaders were wary of becoming permanently entangled in European security affairs. Joshua Yaffa, New Yorker, 23 June 2025 Democratic lawmakers, wary of criticizing the military for carrying out a dangerous and complex bombing plan, instead pummeled the president for not consulting Congress. Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 23 June 2025 Those with ties to big donors are wary of whether Martin can lead the party, as some influential DNC members, such as David Hogg, with ties to younger voters and labor unions, have quit. Mabinty Quarshie, The Washington Examiner, 21 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for wariness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wariness
Adjective
  • The prospect of higher inflation even as present data looks mild has led to a staredown between the Fed, which has advocated for a cautious approach on cutting interest rates in case tariffs do worsen inflation, and Trump, who has aggressively called for big cuts.
    Derek Saul, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
  • That’s a problem for investors, who regard Powell as a serious, cautious economist who operates independently of Trump’s political desires.
    Jim Edwards, Fortune, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • She was transported to the hospital out of an abundance of caution.
    Anna Commander, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025
  • For Mowry, cancelling flights and erring on the side of caution is integral to the aviation industry’s prioritization of passenger safety and experience navigating crises.
    Lily Mae Lazarus, Fortune, 25 June 2025
Adjective
  • In reality, Israel overpowered Iran’s military and outwitted its intelligence with stunning efficiency, demonstrating years, if not decades, of careful preparation in under two weeks.
    Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • If allowed, Andrew will likely bring further reputational damage to the monarchy at a time when the royal ship needs a careful steer.
    Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • In all negotiations, prudence cannot be sacrificed.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 18 June 2025
  • Waugh: Fundamentally, Newcastle want to significantly bolster Howe’s squad while maintaining financial prudence.
    Chris Waugh, New York Times, 12 June 2025
Adjective
  • This can overwhelm analysts and lead to alert fatigue.
    Bhupendra Singh, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • The National Weather Service on Sunday posted an alert warning of elevated levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in the atmosphere because of wildfire smoke.
    Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • With more than 750 products across makeup, skin and hair care and coloring, L’Oréal Paris ranks as the biggest beauty brand in the world.
    Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 1 July 2025
  • Numerous regulatory barriers stand in the way of direct-to-patient care.
    Ge Bai, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Wariness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wariness. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

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