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 Then Nick Willert’s horse started to balk, as though disinclined to engage in the scrum. Will Grant, Outside Online, 11 June 2025 Moscow had upped the intensity of its missile and drone strikes on Ukraine in recent weeks, drawing sharp rebuke from Trump, who is disinclined to overly criticize the Kremlin. Ellie Cook, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 June 2025 Clubs that never were expected to contend usually are disinclined to make a change before the All-Star break. Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025 During this decade, the Europeans seemed increasingly disinclined to accommodate the United States economically as well, and that led to the U.S. dollar going off the gold standard in 1971. Ronald R. Krebs, Foreign Affairs, 29 May 2017 See All Example Sentences for disinclined
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disinclined
Adjective
  • Other teams have shown interest in trading for Kuminga, but the Warriors have been reluctant to accept any sign-and-trade offers.
    Ricardo Klein, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Both characters struggle to forgive themselves for past mistakes and are reluctant to dive back into relationships.
    Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 15 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Trump’s encouragement of Walker was enough to spur him into the race, though Republicans as a whole were hesitant, given Walker’s lack of experience and standing as an unknown quantity among GOP voters.
    Kimberly Ross, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Ty noted that some caregivers might be hesitant to open up about their caregiving experience in the workplace for fear of being passed over for promotions or other advancements.
    Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Disinclined.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disinclined. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on disinclined

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