Sample Sentences for
tentative
grouped by contextual meaning
(editor-reviewed)

tentative as in:  said it tentatively

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The puppy approached us tentatively until it knew we wouldn't harm it.
tentatively = in a careful way (indicating a lack of confidence)
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  • •
    She took a tentative step to see if her injured ankle would support her weight.
    tentative = careful
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    "I'm —I'm Colin Creevey," he said breathlessly, taking a tentative step forward.  (source)
    tentative = in an unsure way (indicating a lack of confidence)
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    The siren song of the void puts you on edge; it makes your movements tentative, clumsy, herkyjerky.  (source)
    tentative = careful or unsure
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Show 10 more with 3 word variations
  • •
    "I think my way is easier, Mr. Dussel," I say tentatively.  (source)
    tentatively = in a careful or unsure way
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    Jem made a tentative swipe under the bed. I looked over the foot to see if a snake would come out.  (source)
    tentative = careful (uncertain of what would happen)
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    With his hand holding my face toward his, Maxon lowered his lips to mine and gave me the faintest whisper of a kiss. Something about the tentativeness of it made me feel beautiful.  (source)
    tentativeness = gentleness (careful and unsure manner)
    standard suffix: The suffix "-ness" converts an adjective to a noun that means the quality of. This is the same pattern you see in words like darkness, kindness, and coolness.
  • •
    She walked tentatively down the steps, knowing that no words were required.  (source)
    tentatively = in a hesitant, unsure manner
  • •
    I took a tentative peek around the room.  (source)
    tentative = careful or unsure
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    I lay down next to her, and Gramps tentatively sat down on the other side.  (source)
    tentatively = in a careful or unsure way
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    She dropped to her knees and gave the tail a tentative tug.  (source)
    tentative = careful or unsure
  • •
    Tentatively he began to ride in daylight.  (source)
    Tentatively = done in a careful way (indicating a lack of confidence in exactly what will happen)
  • •
    But somehow their caress felt soft and tentative.  (source)
    tentative = careful or unsure
  • •
    "Leonardo da Vinci?" Calvin suggested tentatively. "And Michelangelo?"  (source)
    tentatively = in a hesitant, unsure manner
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tentative as in:  a tentative plan

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My plans are still tentative.
tentative = subject to change (likely or possibly going to change)
Show 3 more with this contextual meaning
  • •
    I have a tentative plan, but don't want to make any promises until I discuss it with some friends.
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    As my eyes began to adjust to the darkness, I let out a tentative sigh of relief.  (source)
    tentative = subject to change (possibly going to change)
  • •
    He figures the truth is the best way to begin even a tentative friendship.  (source)
    tentative = careful (indicating a lack of confidence)
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Show 10 more with 3 word variations
  • •
    This time it was a tentative pull, not solid nor heavy,  (source)
    tentative = careful (indicating a lack of confidence)
  • •
    An air of tentativeness about him.†  (source)
    standard suffix: The suffix "-ness" converts an adjective to a noun that means the quality of. This is the same pattern you see in words like darkness, kindness, and coolness.
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    the race-meeting undoubtedly complicated the plans we had made tentatively beforehand.  (source)
    tentatively = with an expectation that there might be changes
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    A plan forms in my head, tentative, outlandish, and mad enough that it just might work.  (source)
    tentative = subject to change (likely or possibly going to change)
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    Miles didn't notice the tentativeness of her answer.†  (source)
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    It was April and everything alive was tentative.  (source)
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    All the tentativeness, doubt, and inauthenticity that plagued him slithered away without a trace, a sound.†  (source)
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    She escorts me instead to the automatic doors, and we make tentative plans again, contingent upon this and that, all of it contigent still upon Patrick and Patrick alone, and the sad and peculiar notion of waiting for a heart.  (source)
    tentative = subject to change (possibly going to change)
  • •
    Helen and I made tentative plans to meet at three o'clock that afternoon in a park near the embassy.  (source)
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    Let me state them before advancing even tentative conclusions.  (source)
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