SLOWLY Synonyms: 39 Similar and Opposite Words

slowly

adverb

ˈslō-lē

Definition of slowly

as in cautiously

at a pace that is less than usual, desirable, or expected walked slowly toward the ringing phone

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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 slowly At one point, Prum got on his hands and knees and Ross mounted and rode him slowly like a horse, looking existentially appalled. — Nolan Kelly, Artforum, 26 Oct. 2026 Evidence suggests that is now slowly giving way to coercion and deception. — Clare Sebastian, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2026 The word or name is still stored safely in the memory, but the brain's search engine is running slowly. — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026 The film slowly relates that the aspiring rapper and superfan ingratiated himself into the band’s circles, flying to New York multiple times as a teenager for the purpose. — Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 24 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for slowly

Recent Examples of Synonyms for slowly

Adverb

Sams cautiously hopes there will be a rebuilding period for the park service under the next administration.

— ABC News, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026
Kim Alexander is cautiously optimistic that won't be the case.

— Miles Parks, NPR, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of cautiously

Adverb

After a few years, most relationships, one way or another, turn into slow-burning wars like this.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 Oct. 2026
In an area of the Mojave Desert, cargo thefts are a pervasive problem, with thieves boarding slow-moving freight trains to steal high-value merchandise, sometimes slashing an air brake hose to bring the railcars to an emergency stop.

— Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of slow

Adverb

San Antonio's offense started sluggishly in two previous home games, but rolled to season highs for points in any quarter and half with 39 points in the first period and 80 by halftime.

— CBS News, CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026
Current leaks through transistors that should be switched off, and electrons move more sluggishly through channels only a few atoms thick.

— Tejasri Gururaj, Interesting Engineering, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of sluggishly

Adverb

Matsui, meanwhile, has tried to carefully navigate keeping her moderate Democrat base while appealing to Republicans who might view Vang as too liberal for the district.

— Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 30 Oct. 2026
Then carefully brûlée using a kitchen blowtorch, moving in a circular pattern, until the sugar is melted and a deep amber color.

— Rachel Gurjar, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of carefully

Browse Nearby Words

slowish

slowly

slowness

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“Slowly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slowly. Accessed 31 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of slowly

adverb

Example Sentences

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