Definitions

wary

[wair-ee] / ˈwɛər i /

ADJECTIVE

careful, cautious

Synonyms

STRONGEST

attentive circumspect considerate distrustful frugal leery prudent suspicious vigilant watchful

WEAK

alert cagey calculating canny chary discreet doubting gingerly guarded handling with kid gloves heedful keeping on one's toes on guard on the lookout on the qui vive provident safe saving sly sparing thinking twice thrifty unwasteful walking on eggs watching one's step watching out wide-awake

Antonyms

STRONGEST

careless certain inattentive incautious inconsiderate indiscreet negligent

WEAK

foolish heedless rash reckless

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Antonelli was brought in for fresh tyres on lap 24, but Norris waited a further three laps, with McLaren still wary of the weather.

From BBC • May 3, 2026

The decision was met with disapproval from some of Trump's fellow Republicans in Congress, and concern from other Eastern European countries wary of Russia.

From BBC • May 1, 2026

And be wary of promises that seem too good to be true.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 30, 2026

Many investors are wary of adding high-yield debt to their portfolio because of the default risk associated with holding such bonds.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 29, 2026

Then, keeping its distance, the lion circled the wary unicorn, its golden eyes at all times fixed upon the sharp horn that was always turned toward it.

From "Stardust" by Neil Gaiman

Vocabulary lists containing wary

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