Wary vs. leery: what’s the difference?
The short answer
While wary generally suggests alertness and watchfulness for potential problems or dangers, leery often implies a stronger degree of suspicion or mistrust. Leery can also carry a more informal tone compared to wary.
What they have in common
Both wary and leery describe a state of caution or suspicion towards something or someone. They are often used in contexts where there is a perceived need to be careful to avoid danger or trouble.
Examples
wary
- She was wary of the stranger offering her a ride home.
- The cat was wary as it approached the unfamiliar object.
- Investors are wary of putting money into the volatile market.
leery
- He was leery of the deal because it seemed too good to be true.
- Customers are leery of the new product due to past failures.
- She remained leery of his intentions despite his assurances.
Which one is more common?
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