wary

American  

[wair-ee] / ˈwɛər i /

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 British  

/ ˈwɛərɪ /

adjective

1. watchful, cautious, or alert

2. characterized by caution or watchfulness

---

Related Words

See careful.

Other Word Forms

• overwary adjective
• warily adverb
• wariness noun

Etymology

Origin of wary

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

Example Sentences

But it also is wary of commitments that could draw it into another Middle East war.

From The Wall Street Journal

The jobless rate in the country has cooled in recent months as hiring has picked up, but it remains elevated as businesses remain wary of demand thanks to U.S. tariffs and trade policy.

From The Wall Street Journal

European leaders are wary of the terms of any potential agreement.

From The Wall Street Journal

Many would-be buyers are still frustrated with high home prices and concerned about their job security, making them wary of large purchases like a new home.

From The Wall Street Journal

In a separate release, the ONS said retail sales fell by 0.1% in November following a 0.9% drop in October, as consumers remained wary ahead of the budget and possible tax rises.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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