AVERSE Synonyms: 40 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

averse

adjective

ə-ˈvərs

Definition of averse next

as in allergic

having a natural dislike for something I'm not averse to broccoli if it's cooked right

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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

Examples 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 Family members also tend to have high emotional dependence on each other and may be conflict averse, says Klass. —

Sherri Gordon, Parents, 19 Sep. 2024 On Tuesday night, a remarkably patient and determined Kamala Harris faced off against a version of Donald Trump that seemed even more incoherent and fact averse than usual. —

Emma Specter, Vogue, 11 Sep. 2024 Polls also showed that women were more risk averse. —

Karlyn Bowman, Forbes, 4 Sep. 2024 Especially adaptable for those who are color averse, butter yellow is the perfect spring neutral — and not just reserved for special occasions or high summer, as primary yellow often is. —

Ebony-Renee Baker, refinery29.com, 6 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for averse