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

Planetary waves are actually slow-moving ripples in the Earth’s atmosphere and oceans that occur on a much larger scale than a traditional wave, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

— ABC News, ABC News, 7 Oct. 2026
The subject is not a murder trial but the slow-moving murder of our planet and human civilization by us.

— Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 6 Oct. 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

The appointment time may be longer than for other gel manicures—and in many cases more expensive—but that laser focus on cleaning up the cuticles, prepping the nails, and carefully applying the polish is what helps it to last.

— Lucy Abbersteen, Allure, 9 Oct. 2026
Have any of these changes been carefully tested, following usual protocols for reviewing any changes to the census?

— Nancy Krieger, STAT, 9 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 10 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of slowly

adverb

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