GUN-SHY Synonyms: 81 Similar and Opposite Words

gun-shy

adjective

Definition of gun-shy

as in wary

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of gun-shy But the specter of political consequences has officials in Miami feeling gun-shy about taking a public stance that could incite the wrath of the state and federal governments. — Miami Herald, 12 Feb. 2026 City staff members and officials remain a little gun-shy, Hazeltine said. — Susan Gill Vardon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Dec. 2025 The writers gave The X-Files an award back in 1996 when the overall Academy was gun-shy about voting for it in Outstanding Drama. — Joe Reid, Vulture, 2 Aug. 2025 Underneath the puns and pumps was a dress-down of the rom-com that ultimately told the story of a woman who fell in love, came out worse, and became gun-shy. — Mathew Rodriguez, Them., 30 May 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for gun-shy

Adjective

But be wary of high heat forecast for Washington this weekend, as event schedules are subject to change amid sweltering temperatures.

— Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 4 July 2026
Iran may also be wary of attacks by the exiled Mujahadin-e Khalq (MeK), which Iran accuses of carrying out attacks inside Iran over several decades.

— Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 4 July 2026

Definition of wary

Adjective

The course comes two months after the city held a daylong expo about AI and at a time when Black communities are leery of AI and are concerned about the onslaught of data centers cropping up in their communities.

— Raisa Habersham, Miami Herald, 7 July 2026
For example, the Republican clerk in Elbert County is also leery of election results and did a hand count of the presidential results in his county in 2020.

— The Denver Post Editorial Board, Denver Post, 7 July 2026

Definition of leery

Adjective

Consumer confidence ticked up in June after weeks of anxiety tied to the conflict, though people remain cautious as worries about jobs and prices persist.

— David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 4 July 2026
Gymshark’s growth has slowed as competition has intensified and consumers have become more cautious about spending.

— Robert Olsen, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026

Definition of cautious

Adjective

When an accident brings the enigmatic Gaia into their lives, unexpected desires begin to take shape, unsettling the careful balance that has long defined their relationship.

— Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 9 July 2026
Be careful when handling debris that may have blown into your yard.

— CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 8 July 2026

Definition of careful

Adjective

Deeply skeptical of his diplomatic attempts with Iran, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could view the president’s comments as an opening to continue operations both in Lebanon, against Hezbollah, or in Iran itself.

— Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 8 July 2026
As recently as last year, the bank’s executives were skeptical that ventures known for such voracious capital spending would be able to sustain their business models.

— Bloomberg, Mercury News, 8 July 2026

Definition of skeptical

Adjective

The problem was that voters seemed to shrug at the revelation, perhaps even then distrustful of politicians in general.

— Tracy Grant, Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 July 2026
Rob-Will has the support of his adoring wildchild daughter, Oreana (Natalie Alyn Lind), but not of openly distrustful Rip, who gave the gun-toting Rob-Will that punch felt around the Dutton universe in their gas station first meeting.

— Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 19 June 2026

Definition of distrustful

Adjective

Harry and Meghan attended the queen's funeral, under the glare of the ever watchful British tabloids.

— Jennifer Hassan, USA Today, 6 July 2026
Wildlife enthusiasts find a different rhythm through AmaWaterways’ Africa Safaris & Wildlife Cruises, one that trades itinerary sprinting for long, watchful hours on the water.

— Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 June 2026

Definition of watchful

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gunshots

gun-shy

gurgle

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“Gun-shy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gun-shy. Accessed 11 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of gun-shy

adjective

Example Sentences

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