Meaning & use

wariness

noun·Academic

A cautious attitude arising from suspicion or fear of possible danger or trouble.

See it in a sentence

The dog approached the stranger with wariness, sniffing carefully before coming closer.

Years of being lied to left her with a deep wariness toward new business partners.

A note on using this word

Describes a guarded, watchful attitude rather than outright fear; often paired with prepositions like of or toward.

Words with a similar meaning

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Words with an opposite meaning

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