TENTATIVELY Synonyms: 31 Similar and Opposite Words

tentatively

adverb

Definition of tentatively

as in hesitantly

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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 tentatively The opening day of the trial is expected to deal with jury selection, with opening arguments from both the prosecution and defense tentatively scheduled for Wednesday. — K.j. Yossman, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026 Eleven people gathered in a circle, tentatively following her lead. — Kendra Nordin Beato, Christian Science Monitor, 8 Oct. 2026 This tentatively puts Barkov back in the lineup as early as mid-November. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 6 Oct. 2026 At one point, the audience tentatively started clapping then quickly quieted back down. — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 2 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tentatively

Recent Examples of Synonyms for tentatively

Adverb

In the public imagination, Housewives with a capital H are fame-hungry attention hogs who would rather throw the $400 bottle of Château Brane-Cantenac Margaux that’s sitting in front of us than sip it, as Cosby is hesitantly doing now.

— Brian Moylan, Vulture, 16 Sep. 2026
Diane refuses, but April hesitantly makes the trip, only to learn that Theo — an artistic dilettante who lives in the city with his girlfriend, Lucy (Odessa A’zion) — has been lunching with Sandra behind her back.

— Natalia Winkelman, Variety, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of hesitantly

Adverb

The revolutionary idea that the ruled rather than the rulers decide the rules emerged only haltingly.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Sep. 2026
The department exists to preserve some semblance of equal justice in the United States — imperfectly, haltingly, often overbearingly for some and cautiously for others — and help ensure that the nation is governed by the rule of law.

— New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of haltingly

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tentatively

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“Tentatively.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tentatively. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of tentatively

adverb

Example Sentences

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