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 The fourth warning this industry expert gives is to be wary of 100% money-back guarantees, which are used to gain trust and often provide a false sense of security. Sixteen Ramos, USA Today, 7 May 2025 The forward progress comes after weeks of debate between hard-line conservatives — who want to implement steep cuts to the social safety net program to help reach their spending cut target of at least $1.5 trillion — and moderates, who are wary of making such changes. Nathaniel Weixel, The Hill, 7 May 2025 And critics are still wary of its original incentive model, which offered cryptocurrency (Worldcoin tokens) to those who signed up. Jennifer Jolly, USA Today, 2 May 2025 From the start, two things are abundantly clear: Indy is wary of the creepy old house, and his affection for Todd is unwavering. Katie Campione, Deadline, 1 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for wary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wary
Adjective
  • This can lead to overly cautious investment choices and missed opportunities for growth.
    Bruce Helmer, Twin Cities, 10 May 2025
  • Please be cautious in entering personal information as seedlings for your romance stories.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
Adjective
  • The review process is careful for a reason – and perhaps the only real method of speeding it up is the one Zeldin has proposed: reassigning staff so there are more people to share the work.
    Jeffrey Gore, The Conversation, 14 May 2025
  • Hillman and the department urged residents in the area to be extra careful this time of year.
    Brooke Baitinger, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 May 2025
Adjective
  • Be alert to small inconsistencies in email addresses, phone numbers, or names.
    Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 May 2025
  • The boy was found alert and conscious, officials said, according to local ABC affiliate WJLA.
    Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 16 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Wary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wary. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

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