Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of disinclined are averse, hesitant, loath, and reluctant. While all these words 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

When might averse be a better fit than disinclined?

The synonyms averse and disinclined are sometimes interchangeable, but averse implies a holding back from or avoiding because of distaste or repugnance.

averse to hard work
not averse to an occasional drink

When is it sensible to use hesitant instead of disinclined?

Although the words hesitant and disinclined have much in common, hesitant implies a holding back especially through fear or uncertainty.

hesitant about asking for a date

When could loath be used to replace disinclined?

The words loath and disinclined are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, loath implies hesitancy because of conflict with one's opinions, predilections, or liking.

seems loath to trust anyone

When can reluctant be used instead of disinclined?

While in some cases nearly identical to disinclined, reluctant implies a holding back through unwillingness.

a reluctant witness

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of disinclined The peshmerga, the military forces of Iraq’s two main Kurdish political parties, the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan and the Kurdistan Democratic Party, would be disinclined to halt Iranian troop movement that does not threaten their own interests. Ehud Yaari, Foreign Affairs, 1 May 2017 Newman was, like many in the 1960s, disinclined to gentrify the compositions with a frame, so the only way to conceal the hardware that anchored canvas to stretcher was to move the tacking edge to the back of the paintings, which had thus become the true tacking edges. Sarah K. Rich, Artforum, 1 Apr. 2025 The show also portrays the context of his school community, where teachers seem unable or disinclined to control their pupils. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 20 Mar. 2025 Ritter declined to call the bill for a vote last year and is disinclined to do so now. Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 27 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for disinclined
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disinclined
Adjective
  • The holdout Republicans remain reluctant to give their votes, and their leaders have almost no room to spare, given their narrow majorities.
    Glen Luke Flanagan, Fortune, 30 June 2025
  • Set during the American Revolutionary War, this historical drama features Mel Gibson as Benjamin Martin, a peaceful farmer who becomes a reluctant war hero after his family is threatened.
    Jené Luciani Sena may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • And compared to past conflicts, the American public—especially young people—are far more hesitant about war.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025
  • Looking Forward With the treatment landscape in such upheaval, experts are hesitant to predict what the future of obesity and diabetes treatment will look like.
    Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 23 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Disinclined.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disinclined. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on disinclined

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!