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
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Recent Examples of reluctant
While Nel seems reluctant at first to re-connect, the two eventually get together, with Bethany revealing that Rob is planning to propose the next day.
—
Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 11 Feb. 2026
Such effects make some patients reluctant to choose chemotherapy and stay with it, said Tanya Dorff, a medical oncologist at City of Hope in Duarte, who has worked with Longo.
—The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Feb. 2026
Some in the city have grown reluctant to talk to reporters.
—Kanis Leung, Los Angeles Times, 10 Feb. 2026
With companies reluctant to add jobs, workers don't have as much leverage to demand raises.
—Arkansas Online, 9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for reluctant
Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 11 Feb. 2026
Such effects make some patients reluctant to choose chemotherapy and stay with it, said Tanya Dorff, a medical oncologist at City of Hope in Duarte, who has worked with Longo.
—The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Feb. 2026
Some in the city have grown reluctant to talk to reporters.
—Kanis Leung, Los Angeles Times, 10 Feb. 2026
With companies reluctant to add jobs, workers don't have as much leverage to demand raises.
—Arkansas Online, 9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for reluctant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reluctant
Adjective
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This brought back family gossip and hesitant bits of information about my mother’s beloved grandfather, my maternal great-grandfather.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
11 Feb. 2026
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That statistic underlines just how hesitant companies have become to acquire indie projects.—
Shirley Li,
The Atlantic,
11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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For years, Kraft Heinz has underinvested in its brands, and executives appeared unwilling to change that strategy, Piper Sandler analyst Michael Lavery wrote in a note to clients on Wednesday.—
Amelia Lucas,
CNBC,
11 Feb. 2026
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One question that came up is what else any city would be willing or unwilling to fly.—
Idaho Statesman,
Idaho Statesman,
10 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Reluctant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reluctant. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
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