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.

If the 1994 team was going to sell soccer to a wary public, it had to show it could play with the best.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 7, 2026

Xi is wary of the burgeoning alliance between Kim and Putin, despite Beijing's close ties with both Pyongyang and Moscow.

From BBC • Jun. 5, 2026

Asian equities went into reverse Friday on continued worries about the AI trade after disappointing forecasts from chip titan Broadcom, while investors were also keeping a wary eye on stuttering Middle East peace efforts.

From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026

Even if the rumors are true that Paramount and CBS executives are growing wary of Weiss and her impact, the overhaul of 60 Minutes is not likely to end.

From Slate • Jun. 5, 2026

The darkness was lifting when I heard the sound of footsteps, wary, soft, less heard than felt as a slight tremor of the ground.

From "Nectar in a Sieve" by Kamala Markandaya

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