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
• unwilling
• loath
• unsure
• skeptical
• dubious
• disinclined
• reticent
• uncertain
• cagey
• indisposed
• timid
• doubtful
• unenthusiastic
• averse
• ambivalent
• conflicted
• questioning
• irresolute
• undecided
• wobbly
• faltering
• uneager
• infirm
• indecisive
• shy
• 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

The journey is expected to last three to four days, though the leader of the islands’ regional government is reluctant to accept the ship. —Camille Behnke, NBC news, 7 May 2026

As for how the Royals might view the next WBC in 2030, Picollo is reluctant to suggest players skip it. —Kansas City Star, 7 May 2026

Mario Cristobal has confidence in the players he’s recruited over the past few cycles and won’t be reluctant to play Cantwell (6-foot-8, 330) and fellow freshman Ben Congdon (6-foot-8, 305) together. —Manny Navarro, New York Times, 7 May 2026

Even now, Edgar describes herself as something of a reluctant leader. —Nancy Badertscher, AJC.com, 7 May 2026