GINGERLY Synonyms: 103 Similar and Opposite Words

gingerly 1 of 2

adjective

ˈjin-jər-lē

Definition of gingerly

as in careful

having or showing a close attentiveness to avoiding danger or trouble gave the cork on the bottle of champagne a gingerly twist

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

gingerly

2 of 2

adverb

as in carefully

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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 gingerly

Adjective

Despite the satisfaction that handlers take in gingerly nursing pangolins back to their full strength, the center’s location and the handlers’ identities must remain a secret. — Kang-Chun Cheng, Christian Science Monitor, 9 July 2025 Unlike the gingerly approach to easing restrictions targeting the spread of the virus, the country is split over reopening businesses and schools. — Kendall Karson, ABC News, 7 Mar. 2021

Adverb

Many of the dummies evolved admirably over the competition’s final hour, complete with fine laugh lines and subtle details like creeping wisps of nose hair, which were gingerly applied with tweezers and Krazy Glue. — John Semley, Harpers Magazine, 28 July 2026 Zambada, wearing a tan jail suit over an orange T-shirt, walked gingerly as deputy federal marshals escorted him to and from the courtroom, which was packed with drug enforcement agents and prosecution staff. — Michael R. Sisak, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for gingerly

Recent Examples of Synonyms for gingerly

Adjective

Apply the serum directly to sparse areas of your brows, being careful to avoid letting the product touch other areas of your skin.

— Iman Balagam, Vogue, 27 Aug. 2026
According to the researchers, careful process design and optimization as well as architecture simplification could help in solving most of these issues, something that industrial production focuses on much more than academic researchers.

— Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of careful

Adjective

The decision suggests the companies believe that foreign investors remain wary of putting new money into the kingdom’s stock exchange, and will likely put off other firms planning IPOs in the short term.

— Matthew Martin, semafor.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Koreans are wary of methods to turn housing wealth into cash.

— Mia Osmonbekov, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of wary

Adverb

Reid said the developer also contacted Kinder Morgan before formally submitting the design review application.

— Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 25 Aug. 2026
In 1988, for instance, Khomeini finally agreed to end his war with Iraq after the United States began engaging Iranian naval ships in direct skirmishes, leading him to fear that Reagan might formally align with Saddam Hussein’s regime.

— Nate Swanson, Foreign Affairs, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of formally

Adjective

Florida’s Republican gubernatorial ticket is defying historic trends for a political party traditionally known for elevating white men to leadership positions — even as the GOP remains cautious about drawing attention to the shift.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 29 Aug. 2026
Bindi, a young female wallaby, is inquisitive and extremely curious, while Wally, a young male wallaby, is more cautious and likes to look at things from afar, Borozenets said.

— Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of cautious

Adverb

Even as the hard power of DEI is stripped methodically away, many changes that occurred in the era leading up to Trump’s second term remain exceedingly difficult to revoke.

— Charles Finch, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 2026
Waymo has also been methodically placing itself within entertainment culture.

— Melinda Sheckells, HollywoodReporter, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of methodically

Adverb

The strategy uses Hammett parameters to systematically tune the optical properties of iridium complexes through a process called orbital decoupling.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 22 Aug. 2026
The current administration has implemented sweeping overhauls to federal land management that critics argue systematically isolate underserved communities.

— Kimmie Gordon, Chicago Tribune, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of systematically

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gingerly

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“Gingerly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gingerly. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of gingerly

adjective

adverb

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