Wary vs. Leery: What's the Difference?
Wary and Leery Definitions
Wary
On guard; watchful
Taught to be wary of strangers.
Leery
Suspicious or distrustful; wary
Was leery of aggressive salespeople.
Wary
Characterized by caution
A wary glance at the black clouds.
Leery
Cautious, suspicious, wary, hesitant, or nervous about something; having reservations or concerns.
Since he was bitten by a dog when he was young, he has always been leery of animals.
Wary
Cautious of danger; carefully watching and guarding against deception, trickery, and dangers; suspiciously prudent
He is wary of dogs.
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Leery
(of a look or smile) Lecherous.
Wary
Characterized by caution; guarded; careful; on one's guard
Leery
Openly distrustful and unwilling to confide
Wary
Thrifty, provident
Wary
Cautious of danger; carefully watching and guarding against deception, artifices, and dangers; timorously or suspiciously prudent; circumspect; scrupulous; careful.
We should be wary, therefore, what persecution we raise against the living labors of public men.
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Wary
Characterized by caution; guarded; careful.
It behoveth our words to be wary and few.
Wary
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
Wary
Openly distrustful and unwilling to confide
