gingerly

[jin-jer-lee] / ˈdʒɪn dʒər li /

ADJECTIVE

careful

Synonyms

WEAK

calculating cautious chary circumspect considerate dainty delicate discreet fastidious guarded hesitant reluctant safe squeamish suspicious timid wary

Antonyms

WEAK

careless rash rough uncareful uncautious

ADVERB

carefully

Synonyms

STRONGEST

cautiously delicately discreetly hesitantly reluctantly safely timidly warily

WEAK

charily circumspectly daintily fastidiously guardedly squeamishly suspiciously

Antonyms

WEAK

carelessly rashly roughly uncarefully uncautiously

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

She has amassed a photo card collection of the movie's characters, which she has gingerly filed in an album.

From BBC • Mar. 15, 2026

He gingerly walked to the bench and then to the locker room.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 6, 2026

Jokic was slow to rise and walked gingerly to the sideline but stayed in the game.

From Barron's • Feb. 5, 2026

Gradually and gingerly, party lines are being crossed in the House and Senate.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 1, 2026

“Here’s your coffee, Richard,” said Francis, turning gingerly with a cup in either hand.

From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt