Leery

usgb/ˈlɪri/
adjective

Suspicious or not trusting.

After being cheated once, she was leery of doing business again.
Visual representation of "leery" - Suspicious or not trusting

Often appears as...

  • be leery of
  • leery look
Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "leery"
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Negative Emotion

Leery implies a negative feeling towards something, hinting at doubt or distrust, not just caution.

Illustration for Negative Emotion
He gave a leery glance at the suspicious offer.
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Intensity of Mistrust

Leery suggests a moderate level of suspicion, not as intense as paranoia but more than just being careful.

Illustration for Intensity of Mistrust
She's leery of emails asking for personal information.
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Past Experience

Use leery when past experiences influence someone's current hesitancy or suspicion towards someone or something.

Illustration for Past Experience
Burned by past investments, he was leery of new financial ventures.
Visual representation of the word "Leery"

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