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 Start slowly and work with a physical therapist (PT) to find a routine that fits your symptoms. — Health Editorial Team, HEALTH, 3 Nov. 2026 Simmons is slowly beginning to learn some of his new teammates. — Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 3 Nov. 2026 As work and home obligations take up more of your focus, burnout can slowly sap your sense of joy and wonder in everyday life. — Brittney Melton, NPR, 2 Nov. 2026 Turning slowly, Snyder saw a magnificent bull with heavy mahogany antlers walk into the clearcut. — Rich Larocco, Outdoor Life, 2 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for slowly

Recent Examples of Synonyms for slowly

Adverb

Its potential plot could possibly be hidden within Cat’s film, but everyone is remaining cautiously optimistic — and vague — about where the Things go next.

— Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 29 Oct. 2026
Tech investors sound cautiously optimistic about Anthropic's S-1 public offering document , despite persistent concerns about the future of AI and dangers of the technology.

— Tobias Burns, CNBC, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of cautiously

Adverb

At that time, traffic had backed up along the exit ramp and a pickup truck was driving slow because of the congestion.

— Paula Wethington, CBS News, 4 Nov. 2026
Not every life would benefit from an approach this deliberate, but slow-playing this particular life is the correct choice.

— Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 3 Nov. 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 6 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of slowly

adverb

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