Refine this word faster

Stronger alternatives Opposite tone Use in context Cross-language nuance

Leery

//ˈlɪəɹi// adj, slang

Definitions

Adjective
  1. 1
    Cautious, suspicious, wary, hesitant, or nervous about something; having reservations or concerns.

    "Since he was bitten by a dog when he was young, he has always been leery of animals."

  2. 2
    Sly; artful; knowing. UK, obsolete, slang
  3. 3
    Leering; lecherous or unpleasant.

    "And there was a particularly brutal villain with leery eyes, ugly mouth, with one tooth gone, and an iron jaw like a hull-dog's."

Adjective
  1. 1
    openly distrustful and unwilling to confide wordnet

Etymology

First attested in 1718, “untrustful, suspicious”, either from leer (“sideward look”) + -y, lear (“learning, knowledge”) + -y. More at leer, lear.

See also for "leery"

Synonyms Antonyms Rhymes Sentences Translate Word Type Pronunciation Word Forms

Next best steps

Find stronger synonymsSee usage examplesCheck pronunciation

Mini challenge

Unscramble this word: leery