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 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 In light of this, many public schools might be disinclined to relinquish what could be a fail-safe legal safeguard by including explicit ADR language into revenue-sharing contracts with athletes. Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 14 Feb. 2025 But Vought appears disinclined to do so. Alana Semuels, TIME, 13 Feb. 2025 Really most cards are hard to find well centered because collectors are disinclined to sell them. Michael Salfino, The Athletic, 12 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for disinclined
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disinclined
Adjective
  • While reluctant to leave his family and friends, he’s applied to faculty positions in Canada and France.
    Christina Larson, Los Angeles Times, 25 May 2025
  • Even if Merz—whose coalition partner, the Social Democrats, is notoriously reluctant to fully commit to defense—can’t keep all of his promises, Germany will be a different kind of military player within a few years.
    Ian Bremmer, Time, 24 May 2025
Adjective
  • While some organizations are understandably hesitant to abandon on-premises infrastructure entirely due to concerns over security, regulatory compliance, and data control, the reality is that maintaining an AI-ready on-premises data center often proves cost-prohibitive and operationally unfeasible.
    Ivo Ivanov, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
  • That prospect has left a number of moderate and vulnerable Republicans hesitant to cut a program that covers their constituents and risk facing political backlash in next year’s elections.
    Nik Popli, Time, 20 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Disinclined.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disinclined. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on disinclined

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