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 Sentencing was tentatively scheduled for Monday, although the hearing is likely to be delayed to another date. — City News Service, Daily News, 18 Aug. 2026 Zaillian co-wrote the crime/mystery drama, tentatively titled Ghettoside, with Richard Price. — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 18 Aug. 2026 South Carolina would be first, followed by Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Michigan and then Virginia, under the calendar tentatively approved by the Democratic National Committee leaders. — Juhi Doshi, ABC News, 11 Aug. 2026 And there’s also a lovely, unexpected romance in there waiting to tentatively reveal itself … As for Reacher himself, his deadpan humor remains impeccable. — James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 11 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tentatively

Recent Examples of Synonyms for tentatively

Adverb

In Broad Strokes, Cohen advances her character further toward a new frontier, though gently and hesitantly.

— Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 28 July 2026
The many attending assistants around her eventually disperse — a little hesitantly because Sam is in the middle of preparing a new show — and the two withdraw to Sam’s cavernous studio.

— Jake Coyle, Boston Herald, 24 Apr. 2026

Definition of hesitantly

Adverb

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
In Vietnamese director Lê Bảo’s new film, an extended family confronts various rifts and estrangements in its ranks; years of silence must give way, slowly and haltingly, to communication.

— Guy Lodge, Variety, 10 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 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of tentatively

adverb

Example Sentences

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