wary

Wary is an adjective describing a state of caution and vigilance in the face of potential danger or uncertainty. A person who is wary tends to question information, assess risks, and avoid acting on impulse rather than out of fear.

Usage of the term is common with the prepositions of or about (for example, wary of scams or wary about making commitments). It can describe people, animals, organizations, or situations. Wary implies prudent hesitation and self-protection, though it can overlap with suspicion when risk is perceived as high.

Examples illustrate its nuance: a shopper should be wary of deals that seem too good to be true; a parent may be wary of letting a stranger approach a child. In animal behavior, young animals may be wary of unfamiliar sounds or environments.

Related terms include wariness or waryness, the corresponding nouns that denote the quality of being cautious. Antonyms include naive, trusting, and unsuspicious. Related concepts are caution, vigilance, and skepticism.

In usage, wary is relatively formal and versatile; speakers may substitute careful or cautious in many contexts. Wary behavior can reflect rational risk assessment or, if excessive, may hinder engagement or decision-making. Context often clarifies whether the caution is prudent or overly cautious.