Another Word For Leery
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Meaning
The word "leery" means to be cautious or wary about something or someone. It implies a sense of suspicion, suggesting that a person is not entirely trusting and is careful in their interactions or decisions. For example, if someone is leery of a new proposal, they might approach it with doubt or skepticism, believing there may be underlying risks or hidden motives involved.
Synonyms
- Suspicious
- Wary
- Cautious
- Skeptical
- Distrustful
Antonyms
- Trusting
- Naive
- Unwavering
- Confident
- Accepting
Etymology
The word "leery" likely comes from the Middle English word "leere," which means "to look" or "to watch." Over time, it evolved to take on the meaning of being watchful or suspicious of others.
Examples
- After hearing the sales pitch, she remained leery of the company's promises.
- He was leery of accepting help from strangers after his previous experiences.
- The dog's leery behavior around unfamiliar faces made the owner cautious about inviting guests over.
- Many consumers are leery of online shopping due to potential scams.
- As the negotiations progressed, she grew leery of the other party's intentions.