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 Harsh punishments like yelling or spraying can make cats wary, damaging trust. Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025 Many international aid groups, wary of collaborating with a repressive regime known for its persecution of women and girls, have since pulled out of the country. Helen Regan, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2025 But the path forward is murky, with leaders wary of internal resistance and political risks. Nik Popli, Time, 2 Sep. 2025 There’s something a little too convenient about this arrangement, and audiences would be right to be wary. Peter Debruge, Variety, 31 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for wary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wary
Adjective
  • However, with the growth of social media and consumer advocacy, retailers are being more cautious about communications to prevent backfiring, not only from investors and analysts but from their core customer base.
    Shelley E. Kohan, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
  • And then finally, layoffs…If prices rise, consumers grow more cautious.
    Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Both coaches and players have been respectful of the other team all week, careful not to produce any bulletin board material.
    Tom Murphy, Arkansas Online, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Ben Lewis Doherty, playing a boy named Sam whose life is upended by Robbie, is the show’s greatest innocent, a softhearted moppet who warns deer to be careful when crossing the street.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Aim to exercise outdoors during daylight hours, if possible, and stay alert to your surroundings for safety.
    Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 8 Sep. 2025
  • That said, since Steal a Brainrot lives on a platform that may pose dangers to kids, parents should stay alert.
    Annabelle Canela, Parents, 5 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Wary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wary. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on wary

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