RELUCTANT Synonyms: 48 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of reluctant are averse , disinclined , hesitant , and loath . While all these words mean "lacking the will or desire to do something indicated," reluctant implies a holding back through unwillingness. // a reluctant witness

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

While the synonyms averse and reluctant are close in meaning, averse implies a holding back from or avoiding because of distaste or repugnance. // averse to hard work // not averse to an occasional drink

Q: Where would 'disinclined' be a reasonable alternative to 'reluctant'?

The words disinclined and reluctant are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, disinclined implies lack of taste for or inclination. // disinclined to move again // disinclined for reading

Q: When could 'hesitant' be used to replace 'reluctant'?

Although the words hesitant and reluctant have much in common, hesitant implies a holding back especially through fear or uncertainty. // hesitant about asking for a date

Q: When is it sensible to use 'loath' instead of 'reluctant'?

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

reluctant

adjective

ri-ˈlək-tənt

Definition of reluctant next

as in hesitant

slow to begin or proceed with a course of action because of doubts or uncertainty I'm reluctant to let you borrow my vintage CDs since you never give back anything I lend you

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

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

a reluctant witness

In what contexts can averse take the place of reluctant?

While the synonyms averse and reluctant are close in meaning, averse implies a holding back from or avoiding because of distaste or repugnance.

averse to hard work

not averse to an occasional drink

Where would disinclined be a reasonable alternative to reluctant?

The words disinclined and reluctant are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, disinclined implies lack of taste for or inclination.

disinclined to move again

disinclined for reading

When could hesitant be used to replace reluctant?

Although the words hesitant and reluctant have much in common, hesitant implies a holding back especially through fear or uncertainty.

hesitant about asking for a date

When is it sensible to use loath instead of reluctant?

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

seems loath to trust anyone

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of reluctant And multiple real estate professionals contacted by the Star-Telegram are reluctant to weigh in publicly. —

Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Jan. 2025 That’s the unfortunate case with Nosferatu, which makes for a gorgeous set of stills but, in motion, keeps veering toward the bloodless in a way that’s downright disconcerting for a story about an obsessive demon lover and his reluctant would-be bride. —

Alison Willmore, Vulture, 22 Jan. 2025 However, the federal courts have traditionally been reluctant to interfere with presidential orders. —

Kristen Waggoner, Newsweek, 21 Jan. 2025 That fits the definition of a Hart candidate, but voters tend to be reluctant to back players whose teams fall short of a playoff berth. —

Carol Schram, Forbes, 19 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for reluctant