Examples of reluctant in a Sentence
94% of the butterflies are females, and they jostle for the attention of the few males, who seem reluctant suitors.
—
Carl Zimmer, Science, 11 May 2001
When I missed five in a row and was reluctant to take the next shot or didn't really follow through, my teammates would yell, "Brick!"
—Bill Bradley, New York Times, 18 Dec. 1994
The man swore sullenly. He went over to a corner and slowly began to put on his coat. He took his hat and went out, with a dragging, reluctant step.
—Stephen Crane, Maggie: A Girl of the Streets, 1893
The woman seemed desirous, yet reluctant, to speak, and answered, in low, mysterious tone.
—Harriet Beecher Stowe, Uncle Tom's Cabin, 1852
We were reluctant to get involved.
He might agree but seems reluctant to admit it.
Carl Zimmer, Science, 11 May 2001
When I missed five in a row and was reluctant to take the next shot or didn't really follow through, my teammates would yell, "Brick!"
—Bill Bradley, New York Times, 18 Dec. 1994
The man swore sullenly. He went over to a corner and slowly began to put on his coat. He took his hat and went out, with a dragging, reluctant step.
—Stephen Crane, Maggie: A Girl of the Streets, 1893
The woman seemed desirous, yet reluctant, to speak, and answered, in low, mysterious tone.
—Harriet Beecher Stowe, Uncle Tom's Cabin, 1852
We were reluctant to get involved.
He might agree but seems reluctant to admit it.
Recent Examples on the Web
Groundwater districts, while long reluctant to engage in conservation planning, do have statutory authority to do so.
—Allen Best, Denver Post, 14 June 2026
By the time the trio closed out its set with an intense drum climax that could have rivaled thunder, thousands were still dancing beneath the lasers, smoke and stars, reluctant to let the night end.
—Bryan West, USA Today, 14 June 2026
Vandalism, assaults and robberies downtown have driven businesses out, and a noticeable lack of police presence makes people reluctant to return.
—Lily Wright, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2026
And recently, Fortress has grown reluctant to keep writing checks.
—Rita Omokha, Vanity Fair, 12 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for reluctant
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Allen Best, Denver Post, 14 June 2026
By the time the trio closed out its set with an intense drum climax that could have rivaled thunder, thousands were still dancing beneath the lasers, smoke and stars, reluctant to let the night end.
—Bryan West, USA Today, 14 June 2026
Vandalism, assaults and robberies downtown have driven businesses out, and a noticeable lack of police presence makes people reluctant to return.
—Lily Wright, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2026
And recently, Fortress has grown reluctant to keep writing checks.
—Rita Omokha, Vanity Fair, 12 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for reluctant
Cite this Entry
“Reluctant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reluctant. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
reluctant
adjective
re·luc·tant
ri-ˈlək-tənt 
: showing doubt or unwillingness
reluctant to answer
reluctantly
adverb
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