tentatively

adverb

Definition of tentativelynext
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 But while national leaders and diplomats work to free up crucial waterways through which much of the world’s trade passes, another transport phenomenon is tentatively underway. — Firmesk Rahim, The Conversation, 5 Aug. 2026 Starship’s upcoming 14th test flight is tentatively slated for some time in late August. — Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 5 Aug. 2026 As 2022 passes, though, the possibility of private life tentatively reappears. — Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 4 Aug. 2026 Cecconi is tentatively scheduled to start Wednesday, after the team pushed him back a few days. — Zack Meisel, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tentatively
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tentatively
  1. hesitantly
  2. haltingly
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
  • 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
  • Law-enforcement officials in Minnesota are—albeit haltingly—beginning to move forward with investigations and prosecutions on their own.
    — Quinta Jurecic, The Atlantic, 6 July 2026
Definition of haltingly

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Cite this Entry

“Tentatively.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tentatively. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on tentatively

Nglish: Translation of tentatively for Spanish Speakers

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