as in hesitantly
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
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 reluctantly
In All Over the Guy, Eli (Bucatinsky) and Tom (Ruccolo) are reluctantly thrown together on a blind date orchestrated by their straight best friends, Brett (Adam Goldberg) and Jackie (Sasha Alexander), who spark their own romance while Eli and Tom stumble through a situationship.
—
Glenn Garner, Deadline, 24 Mar. 2026
What makes all of the above even worse is that the Johnson administration pulled a bait-and-switch on the City Council late last year when aldermen reluctantly agreed to debt-finance these operational costs.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 22 Mar. 2026
Fears reluctantly walked off the court and practice went on without him.
—Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 19 Mar. 2026
These girls are reluctantly growing up and coming into adulthood.
—Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 15 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for reluctantly
Glenn Garner, Deadline, 24 Mar. 2026
What makes all of the above even worse is that the Johnson administration pulled a bait-and-switch on the City Council late last year when aldermen reluctantly agreed to debt-finance these operational costs.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 22 Mar. 2026
Fears reluctantly walked off the court and practice went on without him.
—Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 19 Mar. 2026
These girls are reluctantly growing up and coming into adulthood.
—Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 15 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for reluctantly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reluctantly
Adverb
-
Only the bravest walked hesitantly toward the well.—
Mery Mogollón,
Los Angeles Times,
15 Feb. 2026
-
The show has dipped its toe hesitantly into matters of equity and social stratification this season with mixed results.—
Kelly Lawler,
USA Today,
29 Jan. 2026
Adverb
-
My apologies also go to my ex-girlfriend, who unwillingly ended up in the media spotlight.—
Jake Kanter,
Deadline,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Those who came under suspicion were taken unwillingly to a military hospital in Pretoria, cut off from their families, and subjected to electric shocks.—
Eve Fairbanks,
The Dial,
27 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Reluctantly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reluctantly. Accessed 7 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
