What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
leery
Example
I'm a little leery of trying that new restaurant since I've heard mixed reviews. [leery: adjective]
Example
He gave me a leery look when I asked him about his whereabouts last night. [leery: adjective]
suspicious
Example
The police were suspicious of the man's behavior and decided to investigate further. [suspicious: adjective]
Example
She was suspicious of her husband's sudden change in behavior and decided to confront him. [suspicious: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Suspicious is more commonly used than leery in everyday language. Suspicious is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while leery is a colloquial term that is less common.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between leery and suspicious?
Suspicious is a more formal word than leery. It is often used in legal or official contexts, while leery is more commonly used in informal conversations.
