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 Nevertheless, the Warriors have been reluctant to accept any sign-and-trades for Kuminga. Valentina Martinez, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Sep. 2025 The love story is reluctant allies to lovers, with a dash of fake dating, a pinch of pen pals and a whole clove of secret identities. Lia Amador, PEOPLE, 20 Sep. 2025 Confronted with the arduous task of finding a new identity and replacing their defunct belief system, many of them may, like Changez, drift into a reluctant fundamentalism of their own. Pankaj Mishra, Harpers Magazine, 19 Sep. 2025 One of the defining images of the series will surely be the shock, terror, and reluctant awe on Jake’s face as his brother’s body disappears from the frame. Andy Andersen, Vulture, 19 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for reluctant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reluctant
hesitant
Adjective
  • Season one ended on a cliffhanger as Joanne was hesitant to convert to Judaism, despite Noah’s promotion to head rabbi.
    Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 25 Sep. 2025
  • The Santa Clara County Office of Education and the Santa Clara County Board of Education co-sponsored the bill and said more than 165,000 students in the county live in a mixed-immigration status household and many families live in fear or are hesitant to sent their children to school.
    Molly Gibbs, Mercury News, 24 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Reluctant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reluctant. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on reluctant

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