wary

/ˈwɛːri/adjective

Careful and alert because of possible risks or trouble.

Example sentences

“She was wary of strangers who asked for her personal details.”
“The wary deer lifted its head at every sound.”

Takes 'of': 'wary of strangers'. Do not confuse it with 'weary', which means tired.

Featured as word of the day on July 31, 2026.

Synonyms for wary

cautious
careful
suspicious
leery

Antonyms

trusting
unwary

Often confused with wary

wary vs weary

Related words

circumspectCareful to think about every side of a situation before acting or speaking.gullibleToo ready to believe what others say, and therefore easy to trick.hesitantSlow or unwilling to act because of doubt or caution.waterfallWater pouring down over the edge of a steep drop or cliff.warrantyA promise that something will work or be done as agreed; a form of security.wealthA large quantity of money, property, or other valuable things.