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

Consumer health data stored in ChatGPT could potentially be subpoenaed or breached, creating liability exposure that risk-averse healthcare administrators will not accept. —Sahar Hashmi, Forbes.com, 25 Jan. 2026

Along with regulatory uncertainty and the shock of the deal-averse company looking to pull off one of the biggest media deals in history, investors are uneasy about projections for slowing growth. —Dade Hayes, Deadline, 20 Jan. 2026

Tellingly, the agency’s leader failed to confront concerns that the FDA is becoming more risk-averse and eager to reject new — and even existing — medications. —Ross Marchand, Baltimore Sun, 14 Jan. 2026

The incident intensified concerns that corporate owners are increasingly risk-averse when confronted with the volatility of the current political fray. —Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 11 Jan. 2026