wary

[wair-ee]

adjective

warier, wariest 

1. watchful; being on one's guard against danger.

   Synonyms: prudent, circumspect, guarded, vigilant, alert

2. arising from or characterized by caution.

   to give someone a wary look.

wary

/ ˈwɛərɪ /

adjective

1. watchful, cautious, or alert

2. characterized by caution or watchfulness

Other Word Forms

• warily adverb
• wariness noun
• overwary adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of wary¹

First recorded in 1545–55; ware ² + -y ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of wary¹

C16: from _ware ² + _-y ¹

Synonym Study

See careful.

Example Sentences

Initially wary of allowing cameras into the sanctum of the dressing room, Reid says his misgivings soon disappeared.

From BBC

Though the general public is wary of sharks, support for nets appears to be waning.

From BBC

One grandmother emailed me, desperate for advice, as her daughter, wary of the MMR vaccine, was refusing to have her grandchild vaccinated.

From BBC

Let us know your score and thoughts in the comments below - and be wary, it might contain spoilers!

From BBC

PC Phil Neilson, a constable with the West End team, was initially wary of sharing his views with the undercover reporter.

From BBC

Related Words

• attentive 
• circumspect 
• considerate 
• distrustful 
• frugal 
• leery 
• prudent 
• suspicious 
• vigilant 
• watchful