reluctantly

adverb

re·​luc·​tant·​ly ri-ˈlək-tənt-lē How to pronounce reluctantly (audio)
: in a reluctant manner : with aversion or hesitation
The quiet resolution in his voice penetrated her racing thoughts. Reluctantly she gave him a corner of her attention.Elizabeth George Speare
He is about to release 'Thriller,' and today he's agreed, reluctantly, to sit for the Rolling Stone cover.Gerri Hirshey
Kirsti had gone to bed reluctantly, complaining that she wanted to stay up with the others, that she was grownup enough, … that it wasn't fair.Lois Lowry

Examples of reluctantly in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Still, Taylor reluctantly promises to keep the engagement a secret. Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025 The group recently and reluctantly allowed the controversial former AEW World Champion, MJF, into their ranks. Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 July 2025 Victoria asked, prompting David to reluctantly remove his hand from his head to reveal a glaring bald patch. Erin Clack, People.com, 21 July 2025 As the narrative unfolds, a vast conspiracy involving alien artifacts is uncovered while Murderbot learns to understand and reluctantly accept its flawed human employers. Jeff Spry, Space.com, 15 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for reluctantly

Word History

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of reluctantly was in 1646

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Cite this Entry

“Reluctantly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reluctantly. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

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