RELUCTANTLY Synonyms: 24 Similar and Opposite Words

reluctantly

adverb

Definition of reluctantly

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 this splendid and very hot outfit, completed with spindly heeled sandals, Allie reluctantly toddles off into the night to join her glimmering, mini-skirted sisters. — Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 5 Aug. 2026 The curandero refused to consume it and only reluctantly consented to dose Knab, who recorded the experience in dissociative terms. — Kimon De Greef, Longreads, 4 Aug. 2026 My dad reluctantly pulls our rental car into a shopping center and parks. — Margrét Ann Thors, PEOPLE, 2 Aug. 2026 As Marvel reverses its decision to renew Wonder Man for Season 2 on Disney+, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II is bidding farewell to the role of reluctantly super-powered actor Simon Williams. — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for reluctantly

Recent Examples of Synonyms for reluctantly

Adverb

In Broad Strokes, Cohen advances her character further toward a new frontier, though gently and hesitantly.

— Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 28 July 2026
The many attending assistants around her eventually disperse — a little hesitantly because Sam is in the middle of preparing a new show — and the two withdraw to Sam’s cavernous studio.

— Jake Coyle, Boston Herald, 24 Apr. 2026

Definition of hesitantly

Adverb

Musashi becomes unwillingly bound to the mystical Oni Gauntlet.

— Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026
Two years after his death, and even longer since Missing Richard Simmons forced him unwillingly into the public eye, Diane Sawyer is trying to get to the bottom of why the fitness guru hid inside his house for a decade.

— Bethy Squires, Vulture, 14 May 2026

Definition of unwillingly

Browse Nearby Words

reluctant

reluctantly

rely

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“Reluctantly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reluctantly. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of reluctantly

adverb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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