Leary-Leery | Commonly Confused Words
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Leary vs. Leery

Leary

Being cautious or suspicious about something or someone

Examples:

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Leery

Feeling or showing a lack of trust in someone or something

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Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Ways to tell them apart:

etymology
  • "Leary" is often associated with the phrase weary of or tired of.
  • "Leery" has a cautious sound, hinting at someone being cautious or suspicious.
  • Think of leery as keeping your eyes peeled and leary as someone wary of overuse of certain things.
  • Double the e in leery to remind you to "keep your eyes wide open" because you are unsure about something.
  • Leary could rhyme with weary, hinting fatigue, and leery with clearly, suggesting clear suspicion.
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