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 In my experience, analysts are reluctant to draw definitive conclusions and try to leave some wiggle room. —

Shane Harris, The Atlantic, 10 Jan. 2025 The Last Showgirl is reluctant to abandon the limelight. —

Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 10 Jan. 2025 With clubs reluctant to share ideas and give others a competitive advantage, progress might not be accelerated to the extent that many would like. —

Mark Carey, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025 On the other hand, The New Yorker is stepping into a void left by a Hollywood less willing to develop original voices and big streamers reluctant to shoulder even mild political risks. —

Steven Zeitchik, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for reluctant