Synonyms of averse

averse

adjective

ə-ˈvərs 

as in allergic

having a natural dislike for something

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• allergic
• afraid
• reluctant
• antipathetic
• loath
• opposed
• unwilling
• down on
• opposing
• resistant
• disinclined
• resisting
• antagonistic
• hostile
• uncongenial
• negative
• intolerant
• squeamish
• disgusted
• unfriendly
• unsympathetic
• repelled
• revolted
• repulsed
• shocked
• nauseated
• turned off

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• sympathetic
• friendly
• tolerant
• understanding
• fond
• appreciative
• delighted
• pleased
• charmed
• admiring
• tickled

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of averse are disinclined, hesitant, loath, and reluctant. While all these words mean "lacking the will or desire to do something indicated," averse implies a holding back from or avoiding because of distaste or repugnance.

averse to hard work

not averse to an occasional drink

In what contexts can disinclined take the place of averse?

Although the words disinclined and averse have much in common, disinclined implies lack of taste for or inclination.

disinclined to move again

disinclined for reading

When can hesitant be used instead of averse?

While in some cases nearly identical to averse, hesitant implies a holding back especially through fear or uncertainty.

hesitant about asking for a date

When is loath a more appropriate choice than averse?

The meanings of loath and averse largely overlap; however, loath implies hesitancy because of conflict with one's opinions, predilections, or liking.

seems loath to trust anyone

When might reluctant be a better fit than averse?

In some situations, the words reluctant and averse are roughly equivalent. However, reluctant implies a holding back through unwillingness.

a reluctant witness

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of averse

The Lacobs were ultimately too risk-averse, too cautious, and too self-absorbed to build anything of worth without their former general manager. — Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 24 July 2026

But while her style remains endlessly influential, most of Birkin’s make-up-averse acolytes are more likely to be multi-hyphenate creatives than, say, investment bankers with seven figures to spare. — Olivia Allen, Vogue, 21 July 2026

Those qualities might make bonds attractive to risk-averse investors or those saving for a short- to intermediate-term goal, such as buying a house, experts say. — Ryan Ermey, CNBC, 21 July 2026

Stearns, though, is an example of how a go-for-it push can go awry, leading to the exact scenario many of today’s risk-averse executives fear. — Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 16 July 2026