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 Right-hander Luke Weaver had needed only 19 pitches to complete 1 2/3 perfect innings, but Boone was wary of sending him to the mound a third time. Ken Rosenthal, The Athletic, 25 Mar. 2025 Yet Texas is wary of Bostic’s versatility as a shooter. Jim Vertuno, Chicago Tribune, 24 Mar. 2025 Yet many researchers have been wary of considering the possibility. Manvir Singh, The New Yorker, 24 Mar. 2025 Hikers must be wary of tides when traversing these sections—at high tide, the ocean simply washes up to the cliffs and prevents anyone from getting across. Frederick Dreier, Outside Online, 24 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for wary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wary
Adjective
  • Cunard's Queen Anne cruise ship advised passengers to remain cautious while the ship passed through a piracy-prone area in Southeast Asia, according to a Thursday, March 13, TikTok.
    Charna Flam, People.com, 22 Mar. 2025
  • The organization has become more cautious about backing properties that are underinsured, dilapidated, or lack sufficient reserves for maintenance.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Be careful when handling debris that may have blown into your yard.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 27 Mar. 2025
  • Since then, Vance has been more careful not to deviate publicly from the president's policy position.
    Hannah Demissie, ABC News, 26 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • 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, 30 Mar. 2025
  • The man appeared alert, yelling and craning his head as he was hoisted into the vehicle.
    Dakota Smith, Los Angeles Times, 30 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Wary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wary. Accessed 4 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on wary

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