WARY Synonyms: 63 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

wary

adjective

ˈwer-ē

Definition of wary next

as in cautious

having or showing a close attentiveness to avoiding danger or trouble kept a wary eye out for signs of the enemy

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

Examples 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 While the Middle East has seen much greater turmoil – from Oct. 7 and Israel's war on Iranian proxy groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, to Syrian rebels toppling the 50-year Assad regime – Anderson remained wary that Israel's actions might lead to wider regional conflict. —

Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024 The overthrow of Assad was greeted cautiously by Western nations who are wary of the potential for further bloodshed and of a power vacuum in Syria, if a chaotic and contested transition of leadership takes place. —

Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 9 Dec. 2024 Such framing initially encourages viewers to examine the family with as much wary attention as Delphine. —

Manuel Betancourt, Variety, 9 Dec. 2024 Now, after being settled for over a year and trying to claim their portion of the American experience with help from local officials and neighbors, Perez is wary of what the second Trump administration holds for her and her family's future. —

Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 29 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for wary

Recent Examples of Synonyms for wary

Adjective

Travelers should be cautious, especially along major highways like Interstate 90 and 35, as conditions could remain hazardous.

Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 23 Dec. 2024
Of course, outdoor activities in cold climates require precautions, including dressing appropriately, staying hydrated, being cautious on icy trails, and pacing oneself.

Irene S. Levine, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024