averse

adjective

ə-ˈvərs How to pronounce averse (audio)
Definition of aversenext
as in allergic
having a natural dislike for something I'm not averse to broccoli if it's cooked right

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of averse are disinclined, hesitant, loath, and reluctant. While all these words mean "lacking the will or desire to do something indicated," averse implies a holding back from or avoiding because of distaste or repugnance.

averse to hard work
not averse to an occasional drink

In what contexts can disinclined take the place of averse?

Although the words disinclined and averse have much in common, disinclined implies lack of taste for or inclination.

disinclined to move again
disinclined for reading

When can hesitant be used instead of averse?

While in some cases nearly identical to averse, hesitant implies a holding back especially through fear or uncertainty.

hesitant about asking for a date

When is loath a more appropriate choice than averse?

The meanings of loath and averse largely overlap; however, loath implies hesitancy because of conflict with one's opinions, predilections, or liking.

seems loath to trust anyone

When might reluctant be a better fit than averse?

In some situations, the words reluctant and averse are roughly equivalent. However, 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 averse Kazlauskas told Ars that data sale payments issued in cryptocurrency are one barrier for crypto-averse or crypto-shy users interested in Vana. —ArsTechnica, 10 Sep. 2025 His Upper West Side neighbors protect the famously press-averse 88-year-old author like a Praetorian guard. —John Lopez, HollywoodReporter, 6 Sep. 2025 Both are aggressive during back-and-forths and are rarely risk-averse. —Howard Fendrich, Mercury News, 6 Sep. 2025 Across all program types, the report highlighted the need for strong IP to drive sales in a risk-averse environment. —Ed Meza, Variety, 5 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for averse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for averse
allergic
Adjective
  • Still, allergic reactions on planes are rare.
    — Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Sep. 2025
  • Report a complaint or adverse event (illness or serious allergic reaction) by visiting Industry and Consumer Assistance.
    — Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 17 Sep. 2025
Definition of allergic

Browse Nearby Words

avers
averse
averseness
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Averse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/averse. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.

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