Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective chary contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of chary are cautious, circumspect, and wary. While all these words mean "prudently watchful and discreet in the face of danger or risk," chary implies a cautious reluctance to give, act, or speak freely.

chary of signing papers without having read them first

In what contexts can cautious take the place of chary?

The words cautious and chary are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, cautious implies the exercise of forethought usually prompted by fear of danger.

a cautious driver

When is it sensible to use circumspect instead of chary?

While the synonyms circumspect and chary are close in meaning, circumspect suggests less fear and stresses the surveying of all possible consequences before acting or deciding.

circumspect in his business dealings

When would wary be a good substitute for chary?

Although the words wary and chary have much in common, wary emphasizes suspiciousness and alertness in watching for danger and cunning in escaping it.

keeps a wary eye on the competition

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 chary A lot of people were mildly chary of its prospects. The Economist, 13 Mar. 2021 He’s not as guarded or chary as he was immersed in the Boston Baseball Experience, where one wrong step or word can spark furor. Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 18 July 2022 Knox was a bit chary on specifics, but no athlete allows that many injections without asking questions. Richard A. Lovett, Outside Online, 1 Sep. 2021 Beautiful is a strong word, and artists, critics and scholars are chary of it. Washington Post, 3 Nov. 2021 With a writer so chary of detail, the reader rushes to fill in. Caleb Crain, The Atlantic, 10 Aug. 2021 That tone is most obvious in the author’s chary regard of his icon. John Semley, The New Republic, 26 May 2021 Evangelical Christians, traditionally chary of getting involved in partisan politics. Rick Perlstein, Smithsonian Magazine, 17 Aug. 2020 The autocratic Chinese government is also chary of any display of mass mobilization, even benign ones like Pride. Charlie Campbell / Shanghai, Time, 15 June 2018
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chary
Adjective
  • The pattern has left Iranians wary that any sign of instability is met with brutal suppression.
    Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 6 June 2025
  • Does the entertainment industry have a right to be wary of AI at this stage?
    Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 4 June 2025
Adjective
  • The Chiefs, who have a history of being cautious with their rookies during summer practices, nonetheless had Simmons participate in non-team drills during rookie minicamp last month.
    Jesse Newell, Kansas City Star, 3 June 2025
  • Be cautious not to overuse vinegar in the dishwasher, as the acid can degrade certain rubber components, like gaskets and filters.
    Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 June 2025
Adjective
  • Watch out for slippery roads: Be extra careful during the first half hour after rain begins.
    Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 7 June 2025
  • But as the Trump administration has rolled out immigration policies targeting Venezuelans, Haitians and Cubans, GOP officials in Miami have had to draw a careful balance between supporting the White House and the many immigrants in their district affected by Trump’s immigration agenda.
    Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 6 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Chary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chary. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on chary

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