RELUCTANT Synonyms: 48 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

reluctant

adjective

ri-ˈlək-tənt

Definition of reluctant next

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

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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

Examples 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 So begins the tale of Griffin Hurt: older brother, prep-school wrestler and reluctant child star. —

New York Times, 26 Dec. 2024 Between the lines: There's a similar dynamic playing out among Republicans skeptical of Kennedy's vaccine rhetoric but reluctant to sink one of Trump's nominees. —

Caitlin Owens, Axios, 20 Dec. 2024 Fans of Sommers’s retro action classic The Mummy will find plenty to enjoy, as a reluctant Mowgli leads a dastardly British captain (Cary Elwes) into various elaborate traps in search of hidden treasure. —

Josh Bell, Vulture, 20 Dec. 2024 The question is whether that is an achievable task in January, an awkward market in which many clubs are reluctant to sell and some players are cautious about moving. —

James McNicholas, The Athletic, 26 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for reluctant