gingerly 1 of 2

adjective

ˈjin-jər-lē How to pronounce gingerly (audio)
Definition of gingerlynext
as in careful
having or showing a close attentiveness to avoiding danger or trouble gave the cork on the bottle of champagne a gingerly twist

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

gingerly

2 of 2

adverb

as in carefully

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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 gingerly
Adjective
Despite the satisfaction that handlers take in gingerly nursing pangolins back to their full strength, the center’s location and the handlers’ identities must remain a secret. — Kang-Chun Cheng, Christian Science Monitor, 9 July 2025 Unlike the gingerly approach to easing restrictions targeting the spread of the virus, the country is split over reopening businesses and schools. — Kendall Karson, ABC News, 7 Mar. 2021
Adverb
During a recent demonstration, the robot, guided by engineers, gingerly lifted and placed cups at a minibar, at one point knocking over a dish. — ABC News, 11 May 2026 He was examined by team medical personnel before walking gingerly off the field and back to the Atlanta dugout. — CBS News, 3 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for gingerly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gingerly
  1. careful
  2. carefully
  3. wary
  4. formally
  5. cautious
  6. methodically
  7. orderly
  8. systematically
Adjective
  • When an accident brings the enigmatic Gaia into their lives, unexpected desires begin to take shape, unsettling the careful balance that has long defined their relationship.
    — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 9 July 2026
  • Be careful when handling debris that may have blown into your yard.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 8 July 2026
Definition of careful
Adverb
  • The priceless cargo will spend several days acclimatizing before it is carefully unpacked and unfolded for an exhibition that the museum expects to be one of the most popular in its history.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 10 July 2026
  • Younger consumers may be especially experience-oriented, but older travelers are also thinking carefully about limited time, budget and meaning.
    — Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
Definition of carefully
Adjective
  • But be wary of high heat forecast for Washington this weekend, as event schedules are subject to change amid sweltering temperatures.
    — Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 4 July 2026
  • Iran may also be wary of attacks by the exiled Mujahadin-e Khalq (MeK), which Iran accuses of carrying out attacks inside Iran over several decades.
    — Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 4 July 2026
Definition of wary
Adverb
  • In the order, which formally denied motions for reconsideration filed by both sides following an earlier decision, Moskowitz said the case screams for an out-of-court resolution.
    — Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 July 2026
  • Defendants aren't required to formally enter pleas in Germany.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 8 July 2026
Definition of formally
Adjective
  • Teams are generally more cautious about cooling the legs, however, because cold applied directly to working muscles immediately before a match can temporarily blunt explosive actions such as sprinting.
    — Alan McCall, New York Times, 11 July 2026
  • Legal experts said the slow pace reflects a cautious approach by Graf and the large volume of evidence.
    — Hannah Schoenbaum, Chicago Tribune, 11 July 2026
Definition of cautious
Adverb
  • Over the centuries, Chapter House changed hands several times, growing and changing until it was eventually purchased by hospitality industry vets Phil and Silvia Baxter in 2021, who have been lovingly, methodically updating it since.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 July 2026
  • Investment banks welcomed the arrival of Genesis which has been working methodically through a plan to consolidate the gold rich region around the mining centers of Leonora and Laverton in central WA.
    — Tim Treadgold, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
Definition of methodically
Adverb
  • The man worked as a hospital orderly, according to the AP.
    — Christina Coulter, PEOPLE, 24 June 2026
  • Policymakers have moved to keep the selloff orderly.
    — Dara-Abasi Ita, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026
Definition of orderly
Adverb
  • McKinsey found that only 16% of brands systematically track their AI search performance today.
    — Michele Schiavoni, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
  • Hundreds of lawsuits have been filed against State Farm and Allstate by homeowners alleging similar schemes to systematically reduce claim payments.
    — Jeff Elkins, Oklahoman, 7 July 2026
Definition of systematically

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Cite this Entry

“Gingerly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gingerly. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.

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