reluctantly
adverb
re·luc·tant·ly
ri-ˈlək-tənt-lē 
: 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
Elizabeth George SpeareHe is about to release 'Thriller,' and today he's agreed, reluctantly, to sit for the Rolling Stone cover.—Gerri Hirshey
Gerri HirsheyKirsti 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
Lois LowryExamples of reluctantly in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The pair must pause their grudge match and reluctantly join forces to defeat a Predator.
—Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 6 June 2025
At Davis’ arraignment Wednesday, prosecutors demanded bail raised to $300,000, but Yolo Superior Court Judge Clara Levers reluctantly let Davis’ bail stand ahead of his next appearance June 23 in Yolo Superior Court.
—Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 29 May 2025
The film sees tenant farmer Joseph (Cruise) reluctantly flee to the United States with Shannon (Kidman), the rebellious daughter of his wealthy landlord.
—Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 24 May 2025
So Fox put on his headset and reluctantly gave me a call.
—Nate Rogers, Vulture, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for reluctantly
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Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 6 June 2025
At Davis’ arraignment Wednesday, prosecutors demanded bail raised to $300,000, but Yolo Superior Court Judge Clara Levers reluctantly let Davis’ bail stand ahead of his next appearance June 23 in Yolo Superior Court.
—Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 29 May 2025
The film sees tenant farmer Joseph (Cruise) reluctantly flee to the United States with Shannon (Kidman), the rebellious daughter of his wealthy landlord.
—Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 24 May 2025
So Fox put on his headset and reluctantly gave me a call.
—Nate Rogers, Vulture, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for reluctantly
Cite this Entry
“Reluctantly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reluctantly. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
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