What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
leery
Example
I'm a bit leery of that new restaurant. [leery: adjective]
Example
She was leery of signing the contract without reading it thoroughly. [leery: adjective]
wary
Example
He was wary of walking alone in the dark alley. [wary: adjective]
Example
She was wary of giving out personal information to strangers. [wary: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Wary is more commonly used than leery in everyday language, especially in British English. Wary is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while leery is less common and has a more specific meaning.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between leery and wary?
Both leery and wary are informal words that are appropriate for casual conversation or writing. However, wary may be slightly more formal than leery due to its wider usage and neutral connotation.
