reluctant

adjective

ri-ˈlək-tənt How to pronounce reluctant (audio)
Definition of reluctantnext
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Strikeouts still remain an issue for Jones, and the Yankees had been reluctant to use him against southpaws, but the 25-year-old has taken steps in the right direction. — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 4 July 2026 Still, the Republican state senator is a reluctant advocate for her own legislation. — Max Grinstein, The Washington Examiner, 3 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 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 See All Example Sentences for reluctant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reluctant
  1. hesitant
  2. unwilling
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
Adjective
  • The cops posted outside of the nearby Swarovski and PINK stores are similarly unwilling to entertain my interrogations.
    — Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 4 July 2026
  • Going-to-the-Sun Road, which connects the eastern and western halves of the park, makes the area accessible for those unwilling or unable to explore the backcountry on foot.
    — Josh Laskin, Travel + Leisure, 3 July 2026
Definition of unwilling

Browse Nearby Words

reluctance
reluctant
reluctantly
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Cite this Entry

“Reluctant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reluctant. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on reluctant

Nglish: Translation of reluctant for Spanish Speakers

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