reluctantly

adverb

Definition of reluctantlynext
as in hesitantly

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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 reluctantly Jodie Foster stars as Clarice Starling, an up-and-coming FBI agent who reluctantly consults imprisoned murderer Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins) to track down a dangerous serial killer. — Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Aug. 2026 Ross's journey began reluctantly, encouraged by her father, with parents fostering internal motivation and valuing effort over winning. — Tim Genske, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026 At times during the program’s lean years, the Canes were so bereft of elite talent that when a skilled player groused or lollygagged, it was reluctantly tolerated. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 18 Aug. 2026 The return of fans’ favourite Barry Bannan after reluctantly joining Millwall in January is among the most notable, along with the capture of forward Louie Barry from Aston Villa on a four-year deal. — Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for reluctantly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reluctantly
  1. hesitantly
  2. unwillingly
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
  • Musashi becomes unwillingly bound to the mystical Oni Gauntlet.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026
  • 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
Definition of unwillingly

Browse Nearby Words

reluctant
reluctantly
rely
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Cite this Entry

“Reluctantly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reluctantly. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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