Synonyms of reluctance

reluctance

noun

ri-ˈlək-tən(t)s 

as in unwillingness

a lack of willingness or desire to do or accept something

the mice showed an odd reluctance to eat the cheese we had put out for them

Synonyms & Similar Words

• unwillingness
• hesitancy
• reticence
• hesitance
• doubt
• disinclination
• hesitation
• skepticism
• suspicion
• uncertainty
• indecision
• vacillation
• irresolution
• distrust
• wavering
• faltering
• mistrust
• staggering
• wobbling
• fence-sitting
• incertitude
• shilly-shallying
• misgiving
• misdoubt
• distrustfulness
• mistrustfulness
• uncertainness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• willingness
• inclination
• conviction
• assurance
• certainty
• surety
• certitude
• positiveness
• assuredness
• sureness

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of reluctance

Since some Thompsonville residents expressed reluctance about that plan two years ago, officials are now hoping to come up with a new vision that would attract stronger community support. — Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 25 Sep. 2026

But reluctance to intervene is risky too, further eroding US credibility in the region as a reliable security partner, already undermined by an Iran war that has left US allies in the Gulf region feeling dangerously exposed. — Matthew Chance, CNN Money, 24 Sep. 2026

There is also a level of intimidation — The Athletic encountered a reluctance from individuals and organisations to speak on the record. — Michael Walker, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026

Barisone’s rhetoric today moves seamlessly between anger over not being taken seriously as a victim of abuse and reluctance to recognize abuse in the actions of powerful men. — Ian Parker, New Yorker, 14 Sep. 2026