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
There has been an unusual flurry of diplomatic activity in the last few days around Myanmar, also known as Burma, usually reluctant to engage with much of the world community.
—
Grant Peck, Los Angeles Times, 5 Apr. 2025
If they’re not rolled back, the tariffs are likely to take a while to result in widespread layoffs — and without strong evidence of a slowdown, the Fed may be reluctant to act.
—Jeff Sommer, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2025
Unlike Molly, who's politely reticent and reluctant to speak up for herself, Nikki can't resist expressing her anger and sorrow—or, more precisely, dramatizing them for whatever audience of oncologists happens to be in range.
—Dory Jackson, People.com, 4 Apr. 2025
But many insurers, employers and other bill payers have been reluctant to cover the drugs, which can be used by a wide swath of the population and can cost hundreds of dollars a month.
—Tom Murphy, Chicago Tribune, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reluctant
Grant Peck, Los Angeles Times, 5 Apr. 2025
If they’re not rolled back, the tariffs are likely to take a while to result in widespread layoffs — and without strong evidence of a slowdown, the Fed may be reluctant to act.
—Jeff Sommer, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2025
Unlike Molly, who's politely reticent and reluctant to speak up for herself, Nikki can't resist expressing her anger and sorrow—or, more precisely, dramatizing them for whatever audience of oncologists happens to be in range.
—Dory Jackson, People.com, 4 Apr. 2025
But many insurers, employers and other bill payers have been reluctant to cover the drugs, which can be used by a wide swath of the population and can cost hundreds of dollars a month.
—Tom Murphy, Chicago Tribune, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reluctant
Cite this Entry
“Reluctant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reluctant. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
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