wary
What does "wary" mean?
To be wary is to feel or show caution about possible dangers or problems. Imagine walking through a dark, unfamiliar forest; you aren't necessarily terrified, but you are alert, keeping your eyes open, and moving carefully because you don't fully trust your surroundings. You use this word when you have a gut feeling that something might be "too good to be true" or potentially risky. It is often followed by the preposition "of," as in "wary of strangers" or "wary of making promises." It suggests a state of guardedness rather than outright fear.
"wary" in conversation
Checking out a suspicious deal
This website is offering the new console for fifty dollars.
This website is offering the new console for fifty dollars.
I'm a bit wary of that link; it looks like a phishing scam.
I'm a bit wary of that link; it looks like a phishing scam.
Used to express healthy skepticism about an online deal.
Meeting a new dog
Is it okay to pet your dog?
Is it okay to pet your dog?
He's a rescue, so he's a little wary of new people at first.
He's a rescue, so he's a little wary of new people at first.
Describes an animal's natural, cautious reaction to strangers.
"wary" in a sentence
Be wary of the wet floor.
Be wary of the wet floor.
Investors remain wary of the volatile stock market.
Investors remain wary of the volatile stock market.
She was understandably wary of his sudden change in attitude after years of silence.
She was understandably wary of his sudden change in attitude after years of silence.
