Synonym Chooser

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

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

hesitant about asking for a date

In what contexts can averse take the place of hesitant?

The synonyms averse and hesitant are sometimes interchangeable, but averse implies a holding back from or avoiding because of distaste or repugnance.

averse to hard work
not averse to an occasional drink

When might disinclined be a better fit than hesitant?

The words disinclined and hesitant can be used in similar contexts, but disinclined implies lack of taste for or inclination.

disinclined to move again
disinclined for reading

When is it sensible to use loath instead of hesitant?

While the synonyms loath and hesitant are close in meaning, loath implies hesitancy because of conflict with one's opinions, predilections, or liking.

seems loath to trust anyone

When could reluctant be used to replace hesitant?

The words reluctant and hesitant are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, reluctant implies a holding back through unwillingness.

a reluctant witness

Examples of hesitant in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web A lot of men felt overwhelmed by all the skincare information out there, and many were hesitant to ask for advice, worried about being judged. Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 16 Oct. 2024 But even with years of expertise in the field of machine intelligence and a laundry list of esteemed positions, from Google vice president and chief scientist to Stanford professor to author, Li was hesitant to take center stage. Byjenn Brice, Fortune, 15 Oct. 2024 The needles, however, can add to the trauma of an attack and make patients hesitant to inject the medicine or even keep it on hand. Natallie Rocha, The Mercury News, 11 Oct. 2024 In fact, one in six bosses is now hesitant to hire fresh college grads at all, with some even considering skipping next year’s pool of graduates altogether. Soulaima Gourani, Forbes, 9 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for hesitant 

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

Thesaurus Entries Near hesitant

Cite this Entry

“Hesitant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hesitant. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on hesitant

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!