chary

[chair-ee] / ˈtʃɛər i /

ADJECTIVE

careful, cautious

Synonyms

WEAK

cagey calculating canny circumspect considerate constrained discreet economical fastidious frugal gingerly guarded heedful hesitant inhibited leery loath miserly particular prudent reluctant restrained safe scrupulous sparing stingy suspicious thrifty uneasy wary watchful

Antonyms

WEAK

careless hasty heedless incautious rash uncareful willing

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.

Even if she wanted to pursue an exemption, the Lord Advocate would be chary of inciting the home secretary's ire.

From BBC • Sep. 1, 2025

Instead, “West Side Story” languished when it was first released, its core audience of older filmgoers still chary of venturing into theaters.

From Washington Post • Jan. 14, 2022

He looks chary, and I know perfectly well why.

From The Guardian • Apr. 21, 2019

But his personal experience made him chary, too.

From The New Yorker • Dec. 31, 2018

I should be very chary of saying that there is such a thing as being righteous overmuch, but for two reasons.

From One Day at a Time and Other Talks on Life and Religion by Alexander, Arch.

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