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.

When epidemiologist Antoine Flahault addressed a French governmental health conference alongside other health experts on Tuesday, he urged scientists, journalists and the general public to "be wary of preconceived notions".

From Barron's • May 13, 2026

A ban on teens is often a last resort by landlords who are wary of turning away younger shoppers.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 13, 2026

You are right to be wary of stopping in places experiencing conflict right now.

From MarketWatch • May 13, 2026

The world is watching with a wary eye, as passengers leave the hantavirus-infected MV Hondius cruise ship and head to medical facilities or home.

From Slate • May 12, 2026

Her lab partner, Arielle, smiled at Aru, but it was a slightly wary are-you-a-witch? grin.

From "Aru Shah and the End of Time" by Roshani Chokshi

Vocabulary lists containing wary

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