variants
also leary
as in wary
feeling or showing a lack of trust in someone or something
a leery attitude She seemed a little leery about the proposal. They were leery of their neighbors.
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of leery
The Republican governor has been leery of the more visually violent execution method.
—
Kevin Fixler, Idaho Statesman, 6 Mar. 2025
In fact, Illinois lawmakers — long leery of being secretly recorded — have prohibited state and local law enforcement from wiretapping the phones of politicians suspected of corruption, as federal investigators are allowed to do.
—Megan Crepeau, Chicago Tribune, 16 Feb. 2025
Besides the call for deeper cuts, some Republican senators are leery of the House push to phase out tax credits for big energy projects in their states.
—Carl Hulse, New York Times, 22 May 2025
Is there a reason for a CFO candidate to be leery of working for a company that is looking for its next CEO?
—Megan Poinski, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for leery
Kevin Fixler, Idaho Statesman, 6 Mar. 2025
In fact, Illinois lawmakers — long leery of being secretly recorded — have prohibited state and local law enforcement from wiretapping the phones of politicians suspected of corruption, as federal investigators are allowed to do.
—Megan Crepeau, Chicago Tribune, 16 Feb. 2025
Besides the call for deeper cuts, some Republican senators are leery of the House push to phase out tax credits for big energy projects in their states.
—Carl Hulse, New York Times, 22 May 2025
Is there a reason for a CFO candidate to be leery of working for a company that is looking for its next CEO?
—Megan Poinski, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for leery
Recent Examples of Synonyms for leery
Adjective
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The pattern has left Iranians wary that any sign of instability is met with brutal suppression.—
Efrat Lachter,
FOXNews.com,
6 June 2025
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Jeff Hardcastle, a former demographer for the state of Nevada, says some state officials who manage their governments' records are wary of how the Trump administration is handling federal data.—
Hansi Lo Wang,
NPR,
4 June 2025
Adjective
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Be extra cautious if recreating with sparks or flame.—
Joe Edwards,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 June 2025
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Unlike his predecessor Pope Francis, who often spoke off the cuff, Leo is more cautious and speaks from a prepared text.—
Joshua McElwee,
USA Today,
15 June 2025
Adjective
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When Miramar native Evans St. Fort opened St. Fort’s Funeral Home in North Miami Beach in 2003, clients were skeptical of a funeral director still in his 20s.—
Raisa Habersham,
Miami Herald,
12 June 2025
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Industry experts were skeptical the material could withstand extreme pressure.—
Eileen Finan,
People.com,
10 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Leery.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leery. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.
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