tentatively

adverb

ten·​ta·​tive·​ly ˈten-tə-tiv-lē How to pronounce tentatively (audio)
Synonyms of tentativelynext
: with hesitancy or uncertainty : in a tentative manner
He tentatively agreed to the deal.
Sliding along beside me was a five-foot-long mako shark …. Tentatively, I touched its dorsal fin.Rick Riordan
Once upon a time, tech titans would tentatively suggest, "Our technology can improve your life" …Kentaro Toyama
The network has announced a new series, tentatively titled The Fashion ShowLyndon Stambler

Examples of tentatively in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Design plans were unveiled at public hearings last year and construction tentatively set to start in 2028. Gloria Casas, Chicago Tribune, 20 Jan. 2026 Redwood Park’s swimming pool could open as early as June with the rest of the park tentatively scheduled to open in August, according to city documents. Mars King, Twin Cities, 18 Jan. 2026 Cops have tentatively ID’d the victim but have not publicly released his name or age yet. Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 15 Jan. 2026 The first phase of the project, which includes the stadium, the opening day parking facility and team administrative offices, is tentatively slated to open in 2030. Nicki Jhabvala, New York Times, 15 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tentatively

Word History

First Known Use

1819, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tentatively was in 1819

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Cite this Entry

“Tentatively.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tentatively. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.

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