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
  • In saying that, Chelsea will be reluctant to block the pathways of Mamadou Sarr (on loan at Strasbourg) and Aaron Anselmino (on loan at Borussia Dortmund).
    James McNicholas, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
  • After the race, Mekies was reluctant to take credit for the result and made sure to credit the staff who worked on last year's race at Monza, from which the team made several adjustments.
    Nelson Espinal, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Yet even in the face of these losses, many retailers remain hesitant to modernize their approach to returns, fearing that stricter policies could hurt customer satisfaction.
    Footwear News, Footwear News, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Institutions remain hesitant, citing compliance uncertainty, poor execution quality, and limited integration with existing financial infrastructure.
    Sean Lee, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Disinclined.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disinclined. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on disinclined

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