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 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 The sense is of a political culture reluctantly shaking off a decades-long stupor. — Michael Powell, The Atlantic, 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

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
The Ada County Highway District is a gubernatorial signature away from unwillingly adopting a countywide, partisan vote after the Legislature passed an 11th-hour bill to overhaul how the district’s board is elected.

— Mark Dee April 4, Idaho Statesman, 4 Apr. 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 22 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of reluctantly

adverb

Example Sentences

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Cite this Entry

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