Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of hesitant are averse, disinclined, loath, and reluctant. While all these words mean "lacking the will or desire to do something indicated," hesitant implies a holding back especially through fear or uncertainty.

hesitant about asking for a date

In what contexts can averse take the place of hesitant?

The synonyms averse and hesitant 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 might disinclined be a better fit than hesitant?

The words disinclined and hesitant can be used in similar contexts, but disinclined implies lack of taste for or inclination.

disinclined to move again
disinclined for reading

When is it sensible to use loath instead of hesitant?

While the synonyms loath and hesitant are close in meaning, loath implies hesitancy because of conflict with one's opinions, predilections, or liking.

seems loath to trust anyone

When could reluctant be used to replace hesitant?

The words reluctant and hesitant are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 hesitant Although football was always a passion for the family, managing a professional team was a new challenge, and one that Charlotte was initially hesitant to take on. Katie Mannion, People.com, 22 June 2025 Why Embracing Intelligence Sets Fleet Leaders Apart Despite the slow but steady adoption of new technologies across the industry, a significant—and growing—gap remains between tech-forward companies that have embraced innovation and those still hesitant to move beyond basic GPS tracking. Aliaksandr Kuushynau, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025 Because council members were hesitant to commit to either option until more was known, staff were directed to return July 15 with a presentation on the pros and cons of increasing the city’s home rules sales tax by 0.25%. Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 18 June 2025 The congregation was hesitant to sell the church to the city, in fear that the structure would be demolished. Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 16 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for hesitant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hesitant
reluctant
Adjective
  • Cops were reluctant at first to charge Augustin with a hate crime.
    Sheetal Banchariya, New York Daily News, 18 June 2025
  • It has also been unequally applied across institutions where some case managers have been reluctant to implement policies for unknown reasons.
    Walter Pavlo, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Hesitant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hesitant. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on hesitant

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