SLOWLY Synonyms: 39 Similar and Opposite Words

slowly

adverb

ˈslō-lē

Definition of slowly

as in cautiously

at a pace that is less than usual, desirable, or expected walked slowly toward the ringing phone

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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 slowly Tropical Storm Fay formed in the mid-Atlantic Sunday morning and is moving slowly southward. — Dylan Moriarty, Washington Post, 21 Sep. 2026 Fay is weakening and moving very slowly toward the south-southeast near 2 mph. — Lissette Gonzalez, CBS News, 21 Sep. 2026 But De Santis is also wonderful at the end of the day, when the sun sets and Milan slowly begins to wind down. — Emma Bocchi, Vogue, 21 Sep. 2026 Over time, geologic features slowly change due to exposure to the elements — even on the moon, where time seems to stand still. — Monisha Ravisetti, Space.com, 21 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for slowly

Recent Examples of Synonyms for slowly

Adverb

Californians are weighing a ballot measure that could reshape how local taxes pass, while two major insurers are cautiously reentering the state’s home insurance market.

— Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 17 Sep. 2026
This usually begins with the wasp cautiously circling its target while slowly getting closer.

— Sean Donnelly, USA Today, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of cautiously

Adverb

Screenings in healthy adults are also more likely to catch indolent disease, meaning slow-growing or static conditions, than aggressive ones.

— Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Sep. 2026
The slow-moving enemies typically follow predetermined paths, which means most encounters are a game of patience.

— Zackery Cuevas, PC Magazine, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of slow

Adverb

The fish looks straight at me, flopping sluggishly from side to side.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 Sep. 2026
Hayes’ 3-pointer from the midcourt logo to end the first quarter keyed the Valkyries’ 24-9 second-quarter surge and enlivened a Golden State group that had started the game sluggishly.

— Christian Babcock, Mercury News, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of sluggishly

Adverb

Your energy is a resource too, and spending it more carefully could improve more than your schedule.

— Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 19 Sep. 2026
The combination of technology was developed to deliver an exceptionally soft and comfortable ride, while the overall construction was carefully refined to create a premium experience from the moment runners step into the shoe.

— Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of carefully

Browse Nearby Words

slowish

slowly

slowness

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“Slowly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slowly. Accessed 25 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of slowly

adverb

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