Definition of AVERSE

Choose the Right Synonym for averse

disinclined, hesitant, reluctant, loath, averse mean lacking the will or desire to do something indicated. disinclined implies lack of taste for or inclination. disinclined to move again disinclined for reading hesitant implies a holding back especially through fear or uncertainty. hesitant about asking for a date reluctant implies a holding back through unwillingness. a reluctant witness loath implies hesitancy because of conflict with one's opinions, predilections, or liking. seems loath to trust anyone averse implies a holding back from or avoiding because of distaste or repugnance. averse to hard work not averse to an occasional drink

Adverse vs. Averse

Many people find themselves confused when faced with the choice between adverse and averse. While these two adjectives have many similarities, they are not used interchangeably.

If you want to describe a negative reaction to something (such as a harmful side effect from medication) or dangerous meteorological conditions (such as a snowstorm), adverse is the correct choice; you would not say that you had an averse reaction to medication or that there was averse weather.

Averse is most commonly followed by the preposition to (as in "she is averse to shellfish"), but not in every case; you can, for example, describe someone as “risk averse." Normally, averse to signifies a degree of dislike and avoidance, but when preceded by the word not (as in “he was not averse to having another drink”), it may be used as a pointedly understated way to express an interest in something.

In short, adverse tends to be used to describe effects, conditions, and results; while averse refers to feelings and inclinations.

Examples of averse in a Sentence

I'm not averse to broccoli if it's cooked right.

Recent Examples on the Web

For the snail-averse, bee-venom masks offer an appealing alternative. — Elizabeth Winkler, WSJ, "What Snail Mucus Says About Beauty Trends," 26 Dec. 2018 In this op-ed, A. Rochaun Meadows-Fernandez explores why Black people see more averse to alternative menstrual management methods, like the menstrual cup. — Teen Vogue, "Period Taboo and Menstrual Cups in the Black Community," 15 Nov. 2018 But this optimism underestimated how reform-averse Europe can be. — The Editorial Board, WSJ, "The Euro’s Next 20 Years," 30 Dec. 2018 This wasn’t a matter of change-averse veterans pining for the good old days; Destiny 2 had unquestionably lost whatever magic kept Destiny hobbyists around for hundreds—even thousands—of hours. — Aaron Zimmerman, Ars Technica, "Destiny 2: Forsaken review: Hallelujah, Destiny’s back," 19 Sep. 2018 The club has so far failed to attract a prize that Trump covets: the British Open, a landmark tournament awarded by the tweedy, risk-averse inner circle of British golf. — James Hohmann, Washington Post, "The Daily 202: Toothless trade resolution demonstrates Congress’s unwillingness to check Trump," 12 July 2018 Risk-averse people who have the means to sock away some cash are now able to earn a decent — if not exactly generous — guaranteed return from bank savings, money market, and CD accounts. — Katheleen Conti, BostonGlobe.com, "Banks are offering higher interest rates for savings accounts. But you still need to be smart," 11 July 2018 These days, especially in the years since Carlos Silva’s retirement, baseball’s most walk-averse pitchers tend to be some of its best. — Si.com Staff, SI.com, "Nine Innings: The Yankees' Greatest Need, Unlikely All-Stars and Midsummer Classic Changes," 11 June 2018 For the water-averse, hiking trails reach into the woods, where berry-picking and bird-watching are encouraged. — Simon Peter Groebner, chicagotribune.com, "Come sail away at this fun northern Minnesota resort on Lake Vermilion," 6 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'averse.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.