gun-shy

adjective

Definition of gun-shynext
as in wary

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of gun-shy But the specter of political consequences has officials in Miami feeling gun-shy about taking a public stance that could incite the wrath of the state and federal governments. — Miami Herald, 12 Feb. 2026 City staff members and officials remain a little gun-shy, Hazeltine said. — Susan Gill Vardon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Dec. 2025 Underneath the puns and pumps was a dress-down of the rom-com that ultimately told the story of a woman who fell in love, came out worse, and became gun-shy. — Mathew Rodriguez, Them., 30 May 2025 His recent comments paint a picture of a gun-shy quarterback hesitant to throw the ball downfield. — ABC News, 8 Sep. 2024 See All Example Sentences for gun-shy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gun-shy
  1. wary
  2. leery
  3. cautious
  4. careful
  5. skeptical
  6. distrustful
  7. watchful
  8. show-me
Adjective
  • The third quarter earnings season has only just started, and it's expected to be strong, but investors are growing wary of the market.
    — Sarah Min, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Saxberger is wary, but Meyers’s admiration touches something, and soon the older man’s convinced to join a nightly meeting of young aesthetes.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of wary
Adjective
  • Investors have grown leery of how much growth is being driven by companies in the artificial intelligence race.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Bessent could face credibility challenges from a market already growing skeptical and leery of the challenges Treasurys are facing.
    — Jeff Cox, CNBC, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of leery
Adjective
  • For now, a Super El Niño offers a reason for cautious optimism — not a promise of a drought-busting winter.
    — Callie Zanandrie, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026
  • People with certain medical conditions should be particularly cautious about intense, high-speed rides.
    — Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of cautious
Adjective
  • Full-scale, 10-foot Hulk standins helped actors and camera crews judge his dimensions on set, and even his pants required careful attention.
    — Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Turning a field into a recognizable maze requires specialized planning and careful execution.
    — Alexa Liacko, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of careful
Adjective
  • Others are skeptical the task force can accomplish much in such a short time period, arguing that eventually sweeping new legislation will be needed to regulate AI.
    — Ashley Gold, semafor.com, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Though Netflix is profitable, analysts say the company hasn’t produced enough hits and are skeptical of its plans to grow its subscriber base.
    — Samantha Masunaga, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of skeptical
Adjective
  • Jones was often jealous, distrustful, possessive and controlling of his girlfriend, according to the Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney’s Office.
    — Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Oct. 2026
  • The women recognize each other from group therapy and immediately are distrustful of one another.
    — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of distrustful
Adjective
  • The sanctuary gave her space to socialize and play in a setting close to her natural habitat under the watchful eyes of adoptive gorilla mothers.
    — Elodie Toto, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026
  • John has been groomed by his parents—under the watchful eye of the Guardians—to eventually replace the rule-defying and frequently reckless Hal, who lost both parents.
    — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of watchful
Adjective
  • Salesforce remains a show-me story, but the rally demonstrates how quickly sentiment can change once expectations get low enough for good news to matter.
    — Alexa LoMonaco, CNBC, 13 Aug. 2026
  • With respect to Norvell and his players, observers are in show-me mode.
    — Gabriel Burns, AJC.com, 15 July 2026
Definition of show-me

Browse Nearby Words

gunshots
gun-shy
gurgle
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Cite this Entry

“Gun-shy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gun-shy. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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