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

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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
And as Crook returns gingerly to his coach, Artisan has feedback. — Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 27 June 2026 Arraez finished the at-bat and flied out to left field, jogging gingerly down the first-base line. — Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 24 June 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
  • However, Aldighieri advises marketers to be careful when changing tack.
    — Sam Birchall, Fortune, 30 July 2026
  • But Yoon is careful, with his characteristically spare, visceral imagery, to establish Etna’s early happiness.
    — Rachel Vorona Cote, The Atlantic, 30 July 2026
Definition of careful
Adverb
  • Nearby, guests participating in the butterfly release carefully held small containers before opening them and watching the butterflies take flight.
    — Sophia Buonpane, Kansas City Star, 1 Aug. 2026
  • The result is an inn that feels carefully considered, but never overproduced.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 July 2026
Definition of carefully
Adjective
  • Global oil prices fell sharply on Monday after a pause in fighting between the United States and Iran, though traders remain wary.
    — Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 27 July 2026
  • The campaign has taken the protests demanding accountability and education reforms beyond the streets, broadening its reach and intensifying pressure on a government wary of appearing to yield to a rapidly growing youth movement.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 25 July 2026
Definition of wary
Adverb
  • The New York Times, citing unnamed US officials, said the agreement would be announced Wednesday while the Wall Street Journal said Trump had now formally approved the deal.
    — Arpita Dasika, CNN Money, 22 July 2026
  • More formally, economists have long believed that many processes face diminishing returns.
    — Bill Conerly, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Definition of formally
Adjective
  • Thanks to persistent inflation, the soaring cost of living, and AI making employers cautious about hiring (and everyday people cautious of spending), entry-level part-time jobs like lifeguarding and retail assistants are disappearing.
    — Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 25 July 2026
  • Some are more cautious about buying nonessentials like takeout coffee.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 25 July 2026
Definition of cautious
Adverb
  • Maze-like displays attract the fans, who methodically scan upcoming product lines and who also eagerly open up wallets to get their hands on not just early collectibles, but also items that won’t be on sale anywhere else.
    — Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 24 July 2026
  • Meanwhile, James methodically listened to pitches from a handful of teams, ultimately settling on the 76ers.
    — Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 24 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
  • But lasting resilience comes from taking those lessons and applying them systematically across the network.
    — Gary McGuigan, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
  • Aristotle was the first to systematically study the power of metaphor as a rhetorical device.
    — Richard Yanowitch, Mercury News, 29 July 2026
Definition of systematically

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gingerliness
gingerly
gingersnap
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Cite this Entry

“Gingerly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gingerly. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

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