7
laggard(adjective, quiet, easy, heavy, deliberate)
7
stubborn(adjective, averse, unwilling)
7
uneager(adjective, slow, modest, humble, shy)
6
chary(adjective, delicate, modest, humble, careful)
6
resistant(adjective, slow, awkward, shy, forced)
6
slack(adjective, quiet, easy, heavy, deliberate)
6
vacillant(adjective, hesitant)
5
recalcitrant(adjective, awkward, unenthusiastic, forced, averse)
5
backward(adjective, slow, uncertain, modest, humble)
5
reticent(adjective, modest, humble, shy, hesitant)
5
antagonistic(adjective, hostile, unfriendly, hesitant, contrary)
5
dubious(adjective, slow, uncertain, shy, doubtful)
5
indifferent(adjective, unenthusiastic, lukewarm, unwillingness, perfunctory)
5
leery(adjective, cautious, suspicious, wary)
5
modest(adjective, humble, shy, hesitant, meek)
5
squeamish(adjective, delicate, careful, unenthusiastic, unwilling)
5
timid(adjective, delicate, uncertain, modest, humble)
5
uncertain(adjective, doubtful, hesitant, cautious, unenthusiastic)
5
uncooperative(adjective, difficult, awkward, forced, averse)
4
unyielding(adjective, unwilling)
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APASmart Define. (2016). reluctant thesaurus. Retrieved September 26, 2026, from https://smartdefine.org/reluctant/thesaurus/synonyms
ChicagoSmart Define. 2016. "reluctant thesaurus" https://smartdefine.org/reluctant/thesaurus/synonyms (accessed September 26, 2026).
HarvardSmart Define 2016, reluctant thesaurus, Smart Define, viewed 26 September, 2026, <https://smartdefine.org/reluctant/thesaurus/synonyms>.
MLASmart Define. "reluctant thesaurus" 9 March 2016. Web. 26 September 2026. <https://smartdefine.org/reluctant/thesaurus/synonyms>