What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
guarded
Example
The politician gave a guarded response to the reporter's question. [guarded: adjective]
Example
The museum has a guarded entrance to ensure the safety of the exhibits. [guarded: verb]
wary
Example
She was wary of accepting the job offer without knowing more about the company. [wary: adjective]
Example
He approached the stray dog warily, unsure of its temperament. [warily: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Wary is more commonly used than guarded in everyday language, but both words are still relatively common.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between guarded and wary?
Guarded is more formal than wary, and is often used in professional or business settings to describe a cautious approach or response.
