1
2
3

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective languid differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of languid are lackadaisical, languorous, listless, and spiritless. While all these words mean "lacking energy or enthusiasm," languid refers to an unwillingness or inability to exert oneself due to fatigue or physical weakness.

was depressed and languid for weeks after surgery

When could lackadaisical be used to replace languid?

The synonyms lackadaisical and languid are sometimes interchangeable, but lackadaisical implies a carefree indifference marked by half-hearted efforts.

lackadaisical college seniors pretending to study

When is it sensible to use languorous instead of languid?

While the synonyms languorous and languid are close in meaning, languorous suggests a dreamy boredom and delicacy that avoids unnecessary activity.

languorous cats lying in the sun

When is listless a more appropriate choice than languid?

The words listless and languid are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, listless suggests a lack of interest caused by physical weakness or dissatisfied boredom.

listless hospital patients
listless children flipping through picture books on a rainy day

In what contexts can spiritless take the place of languid?

Although the words spiritless and languid have much in common, spiritless refers to a lack of animation or vigor that gives one's actions and words life.

a spiritless recital of the poem

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 languid Soft textures, faded colored patterns and gentle proportions amplified the languid and rustic mood via a series of comfy cardigans and crewneck sweaters. Sandra Salibian, WWD, 21 Jan. 2025 Each of the 67 rooms boasts charming village and serene harbor views, and some even have their own private patios to take a languid coffee in the morning. Ariel Okin, Vogue, 22 Jan. 2025 Louche, languid tailoring has become a major trend in Milan and Florence. Luisa Zargani, WWD, 21 Jan. 2025 While others may post content playing up the dangers, gators in his video are often as still as sculptures or moving through water with languid grace. Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 11 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for languid 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for languid
Adjective
  • Steeped in the pleasantly lazy atmosphere of the title setting, the film is languorous, but not long.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 25 Jan. 2025
  • Ghia Le Spritz Variety 12-Pack $145 Ghia A wanderlust-inducing coffee table book Il Dolce Far Niente, or the sweetness of doing nothing, is effortlessly captured in this mesmerizing photo book cataloging a languorous Italian summer by Lucy Laucht.
    Sophie Dodd, Bon Appétit, 11 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Twilio — Shares of the cloud communications company plunged 15% on the heels of its weak earnings guidance.
    Hakyung Kim, CNBC, 14 Feb. 2025
  • The Trade Desk missed fourth-quarter revenue estimates and issued weak guidance.
    Medora Lee, USA TODAY, 14 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The contrast detailing gives the classic silhouette a polished touch, while the lightweight, flowy fabric moves beautifully—whether you're headed to a spring wedding, a beach vacation, or just a leisurely Saturday stroll.
    Kaitlin Marks, Southern Living, 7 Feb. 2025
  • Rather than squaring off against some of the league’s top teams in high-pressure, win-or-go-home settings, the Celtics are getting to enjoy a leisurely stretch that features just two games in 11 days — both against teams currently outside the Eastern Conference playoff picture.
    Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald, 6 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Kansas City was listless throughout the game, being shut out for nearly three quarters and potentially suffering from the curse of President Donald Trump picking them to win.
    James Powel, USA TODAY, 10 Feb. 2025
  • But rather than raise alarm, her listless demeanor ends up dredging up difficult conversations with her mother (Betty Buckley), her friends (Samantha Mathis and Robin Tunney) and later still with a creepy, stalking neighbor (Clifton Collins Jr.).
    Manuel Betancourt, Variety, 8 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Trump mocked Biden as feeble and the worst president ever.
    Alexandra Hutzler, ABC News, 19 Jan. 2025
  • Iran’s various proxies—Hamas and Hezbollah, in particular—have suffered major losses, and the Islamic Republic’s capabilities in both air attack and air defense have been exposed as feeble.
    Niall Ferguson, Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • This will include recruiting mercenaries and migrants to offset losses on the front line where Russian forces are making slow gains but at a considerable cost in personnel.
    Justin Gest, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025
  • The best part of the sketch isn’t its sly picture of Gen X’s slow fade into conformity, but Jason Sudeikis as the groom’s father who is unironically into the performance.
    Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 11 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • While their rap beef was a major moment for Hip-Hop and has elevated multiple personalities and podcasts, some people are tired of discussing it; Charlamagne seems to fall into that demographic.
    Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 11 Feb. 2025
  • People get tired and begin complaining about the sketch.
    Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 11 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Turmoil and lackadaisical effort created a negative narrative around the team.
    Ryan Gaydos, Fox News, 6 Jan. 2025
  • The first one was a bit painful, as McCabe failed to take away the passing lane on the initial breakout pass, and Rielly was too lackadaisical and failed to get his stick in the shooting lane.
    Kevin Papetti, The Athletic, 22 Jan. 2025

Podcast

Thesaurus Entries Near languid

Cite this Entry

“Languid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/languid. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on languid

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!