neophobic
Dreading the unfamiliar
Neophobic describes an aversion to new things, experiences, or changes.
The term appears most often in psychology and behavioral science: neophobic responses to unfamiliar foods, The rats showed neophobic behavior toward the novel object.
Someone neophobic prefers the familiar and resists novelty.
The noun is neophobia.
Intense anticipatory fear
- anxietyPersistent apprehensive distress
- trepidationFearful uncertainty
- apprehensionNervous anticipation of trouble
- uneaseMild persistent worry
panic · terror · fright · alarm · distress · nervousness · squeamishness · revulsion
Avoiding risk or novelty
- inflexibleUnable to bend
- rigidUnable to bend
- close-mindedUnreceptive to differing views
- unreceptiveUnwilling to accept ideas
obstinate · hidebound · risk-averse · suspicious · distrustful · leery · wary · cautious
Lacking courage or confidence
- hesitantSlow to act
- tentativeUncertain and provisional
- shyReserved and retiring
- reservedRestrained in manner
reticent · withdrawn · inhibited · risk-averse · unadventurous · unassertive · overcautious · defensive
Cautious about altering customs
- orthodoxConforming to established belief
- conventionalFollowing accepted practices
- old-fashionedBelonging to earlier times
- traditionalFollowing long-held customs
conformist · reactionary · provincial · parochial · insular · sheltered · narrow · Luddite
dread
Intense anticipatory fear
- anxietyPersistent apprehensive distress
- trepidationFearful uncertainty
- apprehensionNervous anticipation of trouble
unease · panic · terror · fright · alarm · distress · nervousness · squeamishness · revulsion · aversion
unadventurous
Avoiding risk or novelty
- inflexibleUnable to bend
- rigidUnable to bend
- close-mindedUnreceptive to differing views
unreceptive · obstinate · hidebound · risk-averse · suspicious · distrustful · leery · wary · cautious · guarded
timid
Lacking courage or confidence
reserved · reticent · withdrawn · inhibited · risk-averse · unadventurous · unassertive · overcautious · defensive
conservative
Cautious about altering customs
- orthodoxConforming to established belief
- conventionalFollowing accepted practices
- old-fashionedBelonging to earlier times
traditional · conformist · reactionary · provincial · parochial · insular · sheltered · narrow · Luddite · antiquated
neophobicnovelty-seeking
Attraction to the unfamiliar
exploratory · adventurous · curious · thrill-seeking · experimental
neophobicopen-minded
Receptive to different ideas
flexible · adaptable · progressive · innovative · forward-thinking