AVERSE Synonyms: 40 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'averse' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of averse are disinclined , hesitant , loath , and reluctant . While all these words mean "lacking the will or desire to do something indicated," averse implies a holding back from or avoiding because of distaste or repugnance. // averse to hard work // not averse to an occasional drink

Q: In what contexts can 'disinclined' take the place of 'averse'?

Although the words disinclined and averse have much in common, disinclined implies lack of taste for or inclination. // disinclined to move again // disinclined for reading

Q: When can 'hesitant' be used instead of 'averse'?

While in some cases nearly identical to averse , hesitant implies a holding back especially through fear or uncertainty. // hesitant about asking for a date

Q: When is 'loath' a more appropriate choice than 'averse'?

The meanings of loath and averse largely overlap; however, loath implies hesitancy because of conflict with one's opinions, predilections, or liking. // seems loath to trust anyone

Q: When might 'reluctant' be a better fit than 'averse'?

In some situations, the words reluctant and averse are roughly equivalent. However, reluctant implies a holding back through unwillingness. // a reluctant witness

averse

adjective

ə-ˈvərs

Definition of averse next

as in allergic

having a natural dislike for something I'm not averse to broccoli if it's cooked right

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How is the word averse different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of averse are disinclined, hesitant, loath, and reluctant. While all these words mean "lacking the will or desire to do something indicated," averse implies a holding back from or avoiding because of distaste or repugnance.

averse to hard work

not averse to an occasional drink

In what contexts can disinclined take the place of averse?

Although the words disinclined and averse have much in common, disinclined implies lack of taste for or inclination.

disinclined to move again

disinclined for reading

When can hesitant be used instead of averse?

While in some cases nearly identical to averse, hesitant implies a holding back especially through fear or uncertainty.

hesitant about asking for a date

When is loath a more appropriate choice than averse?

The meanings of loath and averse largely overlap; however, loath implies hesitancy because of conflict with one's opinions, predilections, or liking.

seems loath to trust anyone

When might reluctant be a better fit than averse?

In some situations, the words reluctant and averse are roughly equivalent. However, reluctant implies a holding back through unwillingness.

a reluctant witness

Examples of averse in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Conservative governments, theoretically tax averse, have been forced to increase overall taxes to a level not seen since 1950, when the United Kingdom was still recovering from World War II. —

Fintan O’Toole, Foreign Affairs, 5 July 2024 Nonetheless, finance chiefs do tend to be risk averse. —

Bysheryl Estrada, Fortune, 18 June 2024 Since the deadly Hamas attack on Oct. 7, the usually politically averse Seinfeld has been a vocal supporter of Israel, whose war in Gaza has left thousands dead, including many children, humanitarian aide workers and innocent civilians. —

Lester Fabian Brathwaite, EW.com, 20 May 2024 The company had a round of layoffs in 2022 and became more risk averse in its investments, going from fully financing scripted features like 2019’s Green Book and Roma, to just backing 25 percent of a documentary. —

Pamela McClintock, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for averse

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'averse.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.