Synonyms of reluctant

reluctant

adjective

ri-ˈlək-tənt 

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• hesitant
• loath
• unsure
• unwilling
• dubious
• disinclined
• skeptical
• loth
• loathe
• reticent
• uncertain
• cagey
• indisposed
• cagy
• timid
• doubtful
• unenthusiastic
• averse
• ambivalent
• conflicted
• questioning
• irresolute
• undecided
• wobbly
• faltering
• uneager
• infirm
• indecisive
• shy
• wabbly
• halting
• vacillating
• fainthearted

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• inclined
• eager
• happy
• glad
• enthusiastic
• willing
• keen
• ready
• decided
• disposed
• sure
• certain
• determined
• resolute
• unquestioning

Synonym Chooser

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of reluctant

At a time when prominent Trump critics receded into the background or were reluctant to speak out for fear of retribution, Bolton was a regular fixture on cable news programs. —Rebecca Beitsch, The Hill, 22 Aug. 2025

But when the United States took steps that Beijing perceived as threatening to its position on Taiwan, China became more reluctant to cooperate—sometimes even overtly shielding the North. —Shuxian Luo, Foreign Affairs, 21 Aug. 2025

However, according to the Wall Street Journal, Musk is now backing away from that idea and is reluctant to alienate powerful Republicans and siphon off GOP voters. —Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 21 Aug. 2025

Barkley suggested in a recent interview with Sports Illustrated that talk of a resurgence implied not that talented running backs were lacking in recent years, but that teams had grown reluctant to hand out large contracts, causing compensation for elite rushers to dip. —Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 21 Aug. 2025