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

as in allergic

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

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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 Those qualities might make bonds attractive to risk-averse investors or those saving for a short- to intermediate-term goal, such as buying a house, experts say. — Ryan Ermey, CNBC, 21 July 2026 Stearns, though, is an example of how a go-for-it push can go awry, leading to the exact scenario many of today’s risk-averse executives fear. — Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 16 July 2026 The disorienting change will be tricky to implement in a way that appeals to risk-averse US financial institutions and other firms, according to former Treasury officials, sanctions attorneys and industry sources monitoring the process. — Daniel Flatley, Fortune, 28 June 2026 For the ships choosing to take the more sanctions-averse Omani route, vessels are passing very close to each other increasing the risk of accidents. — Eleni Giokos, CNN Money, 27 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for averse

Recent Examples of Synonyms for averse

allergic

Adjective

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Lactobacillus rhamnosus can stimulate immune responses that promote or prevent specific allergic symptoms.

— BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026
Jones noted that sesame is now recognized as one of the nine major food allergens in the United States, and allergic reactions can range from mild itching or hives to life-threatening anaphylaxis.

— Daryl Austin, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of allergic

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avers

averse

averseness

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“Averse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/averse. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of averse

adjective

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Example Sentences

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Articles Related to averse

'Adverse' or 'Averse'?

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on averse

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