tentatively
In cautious manner
Tentatively means in an uncertain or provisional way, without full commitment.
A tentative plan might change; a tentative conclusion awaits more evidence.
Someone who speaks tentatively lacks confidence or is testing the waters: She tentatively raised her hand.
The word suggests caution—acting while leaving room to adjust or withdraw.
In a guarded manner
- hesitantlyWith uncertain manner
- gingerlyWith wary caution
- warilyWith watchful caution
- carefullyWith deliberate attention
timidly · uncertainly · guardedly · delicately · apprehensively · nervously · diffidently · shyly
For a limited time
- provisionallyConditionally, pending confirmation
- conditionallyWith requirements attached
- preliminarilyIn an introductory manner
- experimentallyThrough systematic testing
contingently · pending · interim · probationary · indefinitely · short-term
In an unconvinced way
- questioninglyIn a seeking-answers manner
- inconclusivelyWithout definite result
- ambiguouslyWith multiple possible meanings
- vaguelyIn unclear fashion
indecisively · noncommittally · equivocally · unsurely · speculatively · hypothetically · conjecturally · possibly
cautiously
In a guarded manner
- hesitantlyWith uncertain manner
- gingerlyWith wary caution
- warilyWith watchful caution
carefully · timidly · uncertainly · guardedly · delicately · apprehensively · nervously · diffidently · shyly · circumspectly
temporarily
For a limited time
- provisionallyConditionally, pending confirmation
- conditionallyWith requirements attached
- preliminarilyIn an introductory manner
experimentally · contingently · pending · interim · probationary · indefinitely · short-term
doubtfully
In an unconvinced way
- questioninglyIn a seeking-answers manner
- inconclusivelyWithout definite result
- ambiguouslyWith multiple possible meanings
vaguely · indecisively · noncommittally · equivocally · unsurely · speculatively · hypothetically · conjecturally · possibly · perhaps
- cautiouslycarefully, warily, gingerly, guardedly, prudently
- hedgessomewhat, I think, slightly, I believe, fairly
- future talkgoing to, will do, coming soon, up next, eventually
- if possiblemaybe, perhaps, possibly, potentially, conceivably
tentativelydefinitely
With complete certainty
certainly · surely · confidently · assuredly · undoubtedly
tentativelyboldly
With fearless confidence
assertively · decisively · resolutely · unhesitatingly · firmly
tentativelydefinitively
With final authority
finally · permanently · conclusively · irrevocably · bindingly