DISINCLINED Synonyms: 48 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'disinclined' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of disinclined are averse , hesitant , loath , and reluctant . While all these words mean "lacking the will or desire to do something indicated," disinclined implies lack of taste for or inclination. // disinclined to move again // disinclined for reading

Q: When might 'averse' be a better fit than 'disinclined'?

The synonyms averse and disinclined are sometimes interchangeable, but averse implies a holding back from or avoiding because of distaste or repugnance. // averse to hard work // not averse to an occasional drink

Q: When is it sensible to use 'hesitant' instead of 'disinclined'?

Although the words hesitant and disinclined have much in common, hesitant implies a holding back especially through fear or uncertainty. // hesitant about asking for a date

Q: When could 'loath' be used to replace 'disinclined'?

The words loath and disinclined are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, loath implies hesitancy because of conflict with one's opinions, predilections, or liking. // seems loath to trust anyone

Q: When can 'reluctant' be used instead of 'disinclined'?

While in some cases nearly identical to disinclined , reluctant implies a holding back through unwillingness. // a reluctant witness

disinclined

adjective

ˌdis-in-ˈklīnd

Definition of disinclined

as in reluctant

slow to begin or proceed with a course of action because of doubts or uncertainty disinclined to pay his friends a visit without calling first

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How is the word disinclined different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of disinclined are averse, hesitant, loath, and reluctant. While all these words mean "lacking the will or desire to do something indicated," disinclined implies lack of taste for or inclination.

disinclined to move again

disinclined for reading

When might averse be a better fit than disinclined?

The synonyms averse and disinclined are sometimes interchangeable, but averse implies a holding back from or avoiding because of distaste or repugnance.

averse to hard work

not averse to an occasional drink

When is it sensible to use hesitant instead of disinclined?

Although the words hesitant and disinclined have much in common, hesitant implies a holding back especially through fear or uncertainty.

hesitant about asking for a date

When could loath be used to replace disinclined?

The words loath and disinclined are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, loath implies hesitancy because of conflict with one's opinions, predilections, or liking.

seems loath to trust anyone

When can reluctant be used instead of disinclined?

While in some cases nearly identical to disinclined, reluctant implies a holding back through unwillingness.

a reluctant witness

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 disinclined At the time of filming on Survivor 50, Probst seemed disinclined toward another big paradigm shift. — Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 17 Feb. 2026 Teams have been disinclined to do that, which has made DAZN reluctant to move forward. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 8 Jan. 2026 For those of us who are disinclined to brave the wind and cold, Brookfield isn’t the only place to score a free visit. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 8 Jan. 2026 Conversation at Mels Diner is desultory and disinclined to matters so impractical, uncomfortable. — David Searcy, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for disinclined

Recent Examples of Synonyms for disinclined

Adjective

Martha Washington — America’s first first lady, although such a title had not yet been coined — was reluctant to move to the new presidential household in New York and struggled with her new role as a hostess of presidential drawing rooms.

— Jenny Jarvie Follow, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
If the labor market weakens, then the FOMC may be a little more reluctant to raise interest rates due to risking job losses and a potential economic slowdown.

— Simon Moore, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026

Definition of reluctant

Adjective

When team members seem disconnected, less motivated or hesitant to contribute, leaders need to look beyond surface-level symptoms and determine what’s really standing in the way of stronger participation and performance.

— Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Some delegates were hesitant, but a committee was appointed to draft the document.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 1 July 2026

Definition of hesitant

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“Disinclined.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disinclined. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of disinclined

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