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 First-time entrepreneurs can be reluctant to engage in planning well in advance, Paulus said. — Hayley Cuccinello, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2026 Working for him is her ticket to do just that and so the reunion, like something out of The Sunshine Boys, brings reluctant Ryu and Ken back together. — Pete Hammond, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2026 According to Deadline, Esther McGregor (Babygirl, being Ewan McGregor’s daughter) will play reluctant dragonrider Violet Sorrengail while Emilio Sakraya (Warrior Nun) will play the mysterious and rebellious Xaden Riorson. — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 15 Oct. 2026 Tommasini’s sensitive account does justice to Anderson as both an accomplished musical artist and a reluctant civil rights symbol. — Barbara Spindel, Christian Science Monitor, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for reluctant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reluctant
  1. hesitant
  2. unwilling
Adjective
  • Chang was still hesitant to believe that Raman was actually going to win, having watched Hong’s polling advantage in Wisconsin evaporate.
    — Benjamin Wallace-Wells, New Yorker, 18 Oct. 2026
  • None of these feel significant to the business, but each one gives a hesitant buyer a reason to pause, and pauses are where deals go to die.
    — Dr. Sariki Abungwo, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of hesitant
Adjective
  • Traceability isn’t something being thrust on unwilling cotton suppliers, a new report found.
    — Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The Houthis, still formally in a truce with Riyadh, appeared unwilling to aid their Iranian partners.
    — Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 10 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 21 Oct. 2026.

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