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 Although no law or official policy banned Jews from leaving Iran, the government was disinclined to issue them passports. Roya Hakakian, The Atlantic, 10 July 2025 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 But even that proposal — which did not address other car bloat dangers like blind zones and torso strikes — is likely to be cast aside by incoming Trump appointees who are disinclined toward new business regulations. David Zipper, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018 See All Example Sentences for disinclined
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disinclined
Adjective
  • Less housing as private capital is reluctant to invest.
    Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025
  • The Muschiettis were reluctant to share details about the series’ long term future, though the book provides hints about what happened in Derry during Pennywise’s previous cycles.
    Andrew McGowan, Variety, 27 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Historically, workers have been hesitant about sharing their salaries with other employees, but a shift toward the practice has sparked greater accountability at companies.
    Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
  • The brand does not advertise itself as being additive-free tequila in its marketing materials, something that admittedly more brands are hesitant to do because the CRT, Mexico’s tequila governing authority, has cracked down upon the practice.
    Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 23 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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