gun-shy

Definition of gun-shynext

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 But because Trump and the Republicans have been so effective in slapping extreme liberal caricatures on their opponents, Democrats are gun-shy. Mark Leibovich, The Atlantic, 11 Feb. 2026 With President Donald Trump sending armed federal agents into communities around the country, even more once gun-shy liberals and leftists are considering getting armed. Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 1 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 pressure from both the U.S. and China has seemingly made Panama more gun-shy about those ports shifting hands, with numerous officials putting CK Hutchison’s partnership with the Panamanian government under scrutiny. Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 13 Aug. 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
  • Sony has been wary of committing to such an expensive undertaking in a market that is in flux and more challenging than ever.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 23 May 2026
  • An adviser to Becerra’s campaign, Michael Bustamante, said in April that Becerra would likely support an increase in the state’s production incentive, but would be wary of making the program unlimited, which could easily run into the billions of dollars.
    Gene Maddaus, Variety, 22 May 2026
Adjective
  • Such a cap would require an act of Congress, and plenty of Republicans are leery of supporting it.
    Bloomberg, Oc Register, 7 May 2026
  • Investors burned by that bust are still leery of pouring money into oil and gas a decade later, says Brandon Davis, founder of AFE Leaks, a consulting firm that tracks capital costs for oil and gas.
    Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 6 May 2026
Adjective
  • While many major stock indexes have erased losses incurred at the start of the Iran war, government bonds have largely taken a more cautious approach, continuing to price in higher inflation and widespread interest rate hikes.
    Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 20 May 2026
  • Japan’s Foreign Ministry issued a safety advisory for Japanese citizens in China to be cautious and attentive, avoid going out alone and take care when accompanying children.
    ABC News, ABC News, 20 May 2026
Adjective
  • Despite criticism that zero income taxes only benefit high-earners, the Sunshine State’s booming economy and positive migration trends are evidence that such policies merit careful consideration by policymakers nationwide.
    Nicole Huyer, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 May 2026
  • But a careful reading of the S-1 reveals substantial barriers in the path to achieving the sorcerous performance required to reward shareholders who flock to the most anticipated debut ever seen.
    Shawn Tully, Fortune, 23 May 2026
Adjective
  • And what would a skeptical buyer challenge first?
    David Chapman, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026
  • Judges newly skeptical of the government’s reliability may examine run-of-the-mill DOJ cases with greater scrutiny, creating more work for a department strapped for resources after thousands of lawyers quit.
    Quinta Jurecic, The Atlantic, 21 May 2026
Adjective
  • Like other Mexicans, Bergen had also become more distrustful of the medical establishment during the Covid-19 pandemic.
    Mary Beth Sheridan, CNN Money, 17 May 2026
  • People are distrustful of public health.
    Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 13 May 2026
Adjective
  • Most of the 50 athletes competing in track, swimming and weightlifting are taking performance enhancers under the watchful eye of doctors and trainers.
    ABC News, ABC News, 23 May 2026
  • Being aware of them and keeping a watchful eye on your power strip and its current condition could protect you and your home in the long run.
    Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 16 May 2026
Adjective
  • Cape Cod and Kettle chips are show-me stories.
    Jim Cramer, CNBC, 27 Apr. 2026
  • The market is in a ‘show-me’ phase, anticipating demonstrable results from the record backlog before the balance sheet deteriorates.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 10 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Gun-shy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gun-shy. Accessed 26 May. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster