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 If the war with Iran intensifies again, foreign executives will be reluctant to even visit Saudi Arabia, let alone invest in it. — Matthew Martin, semafor.com, 23 Oct. 2026 Then she is chosen by Josie (Mia Tharia), whose mother Chrissy (Amy Adams) is reluctant to purchase an older model of the product when the newer ones are being sold at Fancy Friends down the street. — Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 23 Oct. 2026 Bukele, one of two Latin American leaders with troops on the ground in Haiti, was initially reluctant to deploy his aviation unit. — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2026 As costs kept climbing, many health economists were reluctant to probe the wasteful spending that accompanied the consolidation frenzy. — Dana P. Goldman, STAT, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for reluctant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reluctant
  1. hesitant
  2. unwilling
Adjective
  • Producers could use advanced technology to increase the recovery rate, but that requires major investments, which companies are hesitant to make in a country led by a government with a history of breaking contracts and current instability.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Former Hartford Association of Teachers President Carol Gale was not so hesitant.
    — Theo Peck-Suzuki, Hartford Courant, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of hesitant
Adjective
  • The National Federation of Federal Employees union said a survey of its members showed a large majority opposed the Agriculture Department reorganization plan and most were unwilling to relocate.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Middle America Republicans haven’t been entirely unwilling to stay off the celebrity train themselves.
    — Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of unwilling

Browse Nearby Words

reluctance
reluctant
reluctantly
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Reluctant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reluctant. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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