Word of the day · 23 June 2026
wary
/ˈwɛəri/
adjective
Cautious and watchful because of possible danger or trouble.
In a sentence
- Shoppers grew wary of emails that asked for passwords.
- The dog was wary of the open suitcase by the door.
- Investors stayed wary until the earnings report landed.
In an image
Origin
From Old English wær (aware, cautious), related to words for watching and being on guard.
History
Wary is an old Germanic caution word that never needed dressing up. It often pairs with of: wary of strangers, wary of deals that sound easy. Unlike fearful, it implies measured care. Editors still prefer it when careful feels too soft and paranoid feels too harsh.
Nearby words
cautious · guarded · leery
Alert distrust that slows a step, not full panic.