Tentative
mediumTEN-tuh-tiv
adjective
Definition
Not certain or fixed; provisional; hesitant or uncertain
Examples
“They made tentative plans to meet next week.”
“Her tentative smile suggested she was unsure.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Tentative is a medium-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "provisional" or "uncertain" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "definitive".
Related GRE Words
indeterminate
Not exactly known, established, or defined; vague
ambivalent
Having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something
equivocal
Open to more than one interpretation; ambiguous
vacillate
To waver between different opinions or actions; be indecisive
ephemeral
Lasting for a very short time; transitory
abate
To reduce in amount, degree, or intensity
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