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 But slowly and steadily that has changed, and 2026 has marked something of a turning point for the streaming service. — Andrew Webster, The Verge, 6 Oct. 2026 Under this strategy, a person borrows a set amount from his or her 401(k) account and slowly replenishes the account over time through payments deducted automatically from pay stubs. — ABC News, 5 Oct. 2026 Yet authorities have moved extraordinarily slowly and timidly. — Carl Minzner, Foreign Affairs, 5 Oct. 2026 Democrats have been slowly eroding the Republicans’ hold over the Senate. — Daniel J. Mallinson, The Conversation, 5 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for slowly

Recent Examples of Synonyms for slowly

Adverb

Still, Andersen is only cautiously optimistic about the future.

— Sam Birchall, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2026
Many former Soviet states in Central Asia have cautiously moved out of Russia’s orbit.

— The Monitor's Editorial Board, Christian Science Monitor, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of cautiously

Adverb

Why do the slow-rising curtains in Digger’s bedroom resemble the ruffled drapes adorning a theatrical stage?

— Justin Chang, New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2026
The slow-moving nor’easter battered the Northeast coastline with heavy rain, strong winds and dangerous surf, flooding low-lying communities from New Jersey to New England.

— Leah Willingham, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of slow

Adverb

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
The fish looks straight at me, flopping sluggishly from side to side.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of sluggishly

Adverb

People with eating disorders may exhibit compulsive behaviors around both exercise and eating, including working out for multiple hours every day and carefully calculating every aspect of their diet.

— Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Some of these spaces were inhabited by horses or llamas, but many were just sown with Kentucky blue grass that was carefully cut every weekend.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 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 7 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of slowly

adverb

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