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

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 reluctant Because the construction documents were included with the purchase of the land and building permits had in fact already been granted by the city based on that initial scheme, the new owners were understandably reluctant to start over again from square one. Kyle Hoepner, Architectural Digest, 29 Aug. 2025 But with both countries facing tariff heat from Washington, could economic challenges push Beijing and New Delhi toward reluctant cooperation, transforming their adversarial relationship? Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2025 Despite being one of the top defensive stars in the NFL right now, the longtime owner and GM was reluctant to hand out a lucrative deal. Kevin McCormick, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Aug. 2025 By this, Smit means the field is now more reluctant to assign any human-like interpretations to animal behaviors, even when there is compelling evidence to do so, such as biologist Franz de Waal’s work on animal empathy. Rj MacKenzie, Popular Science, 28 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for reluctant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reluctant
hesitant
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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Reluctant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reluctant. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on reluctant

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