Wary (Adjective)

Meaning ¹

Openly distrustful and unwilling to confide.

Classification

All adjective clusters.

Synonyms

• Untrusting
• Leery
• Mistrustful
• Suspicious

Related Words

• Wariness (noun)

Meaning ²

Marked by keen caution and watchful prudence; "they were wary in their movements"; "a wary glance at the black clouds"; "taught to be wary of strangers".

Classification

All adjective clusters.

Examples

• The tourists were wary of the locals who seemed overly friendly and eager to help.
• She gave a wary glance at the old, rickety bridge before deciding to cross it.
• The children were taught to be wary of strangers and never to accept anything from them.
• The hikers were wary of the steep cliff and made sure to stay at least a few feet away from the edge.
• The detective was wary of the suspect's alibi and decided to investigate further.

Antonyms

• Unwary

Related Words

• Wariness (noun)