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 Powell has his own particular history of being late, with the Fed reluctant to hike when inflation began spiking in 2021. Jeff Cox, CNBC, 10 May 2025 Regardless of the numbers, the pressure of negotiating with the U.S. is putting a spotlight on an ongoing rice crisis in Japan and spurring the possibility of a policy shift for a market historically reluctant to change. Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 8 May 2025 But direct involvement may be elusive, as both Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are reluctant to reengage militarily in Yemen after years of costly involvement that failed to defeat the Houthis. Amira El-Fekki‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 May 2025 Jedi-in-training Rey (Daisy Ridley), reluctant hero Finn (John Boyega) and X-wing warrior Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac) lead the ragtag Resistance against a returning Emperor Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid) in a film that's full of logic fumbles and muddies the focus of the third and final trilogy. Brian Truitt, USA Today, 4 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for reluctant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reluctant
hesitant
Adjective
  • More generally, the collective ongoing efforts by the Trump administration could equate to fewer opportunities for job seekers as employers become more hesitant to hire due to a lack of overall stability, veteran observers told Newsweek.
    Joshua Rhett Miller, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 May 2025
  • Still, a lack of progress signs has left many investors hesitant to trust the mid-April rebound.
    Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 6 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Reluctant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reluctant. Accessed 21 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on reluctant

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!