Synonyms of reluctant

reluctant

adjective

ri-ˈlək-tənt 

as in hesitant

slow to begin or proceed with a course of action because of doubts or uncertainty

I'm reluctant to let you borrow my vintage CDs since you never give back anything I lend you

Synonyms & Similar Words

• hesitant
• loath
• unsure
• unwilling
• dubious
• disinclined
• skeptical
• loth
• loathe
• reticent
• uncertain
• cagey
• indisposed
• cagy
• timid
• doubtful
• unenthusiastic
• averse
• ambivalent
• conflicted
• questioning
• irresolute
• undecided
• wobbly
• faltering
• uneager
• infirm
• indecisive
• shy
• wabbly
• halting
• vacillating
• fainthearted

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• inclined
• eager
• happy
• glad
• enthusiastic
• willing
• keen
• ready
• decided
• disposed
• sure
• certain
• determined
• resolute
• unquestioning

Synonym Chooser

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

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

a reluctant witness

In what contexts can averse take the place of reluctant?

While the synonyms averse and reluctant are close in meaning, averse implies a holding back from or avoiding because of distaste or repugnance.

averse to hard work

not averse to an occasional drink

Where would disinclined be a reasonable alternative to reluctant?

The words disinclined and reluctant are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, disinclined implies lack of taste for or inclination.

disinclined to move again

disinclined for reading

When could hesitant be used to replace reluctant?

Although the words hesitant and reluctant have much in common, hesitant implies a holding back especially through fear or uncertainty.

hesitant about asking for a date

When is it sensible to use loath instead of reluctant?

The meanings of loath and reluctant largely overlap; however, loath implies hesitancy because of conflict with one's opinions, predilections, or liking.

seems loath to trust anyone

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of reluctant

With curfew exemptions from L.A. City Council, performances resumed Thursday night at the Music Center but audiences were reluctant to return downtown. —Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 16 June 2025

Twenty-three crewmen suffered radiation poisoning, and one died that year; many in the country were reluctant to buy seafood, fearing contamination. —E. Tammy Kim, New Yorker, 16 June 2025

Madeley plays the title role, as previously announced, with Ruffalo playing Joseph Califano, the U.S. Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare under President Jimmy Carter, who was initially reluctant to sign off on civil rights legislation affecting the disabled community. —Matt Grobar, Deadline, 12 June 2025

Elsewhere in the country, too, state agencies and providers that rely on SAMHSA funding and technical support are feeling isolated, lost and reluctant to reach out to the federal staff left at the agency, says Dr. Eric Rafla-Yuan, a psychiatrist in San Diego, Calif. —Rhitu Chatterjee, NPR, 6 June 2025