Synonym Chooser

How does the noun lassitude contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of lassitude are languor, lethargy, stupor, and torpor. While all these words mean "physical or mental inertness," lassitude stresses listlessness or indifference resulting from fatigue or poor health.

a depression marked by lassitude

Where would languor be a reasonable alternative to lassitude?

Although the words languor and lassitude have much in common, languor suggests inertia induced by an enervating climate or illness or love.

languor induced by a tropical vacation

When could lethargy be used to replace lassitude?

The words lethargy and lassitude can be used in similar contexts, but lethargy implies such drowsiness or aversion to activity as is induced by disease, injury, or drugs.

months of lethargy followed my accident

When might stupor be a better fit than lassitude?

While the synonyms stupor and lassitude are close in meaning, stupor implies a deadening of the mind and senses by shock, narcotics, or intoxicants.

lapsed into an alcoholic stupor

When would torpor be a good substitute for lassitude?

In some situations, the words torpor and lassitude are roughly equivalent. However, torpor implies a state of suspended animation as of hibernating animals but may suggest merely extreme sluggishness.

a once alert mind now in a torpor

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 lassitude But the opinion, written by Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr., went way further than necessary to insulate Trump from prosecution — not simply before the election, which the court, by its lassitude, had nearly guaranteed, but forever, even in the event that President Biden wins reelection. Ruth Marcus, Washington Post, 1 July 2024 After so many episodes, there is no lassitude and the Mbappé saga continues to enliven conversations in France’s sports bars. Samuel Petrequin, USA TODAY, 12 Feb. 2024 Two to four days later, agitation may turn into sleepiness, depression, and lassitude; abdominal pain may concentrate in the upper right quadrant; and the liver might become enlarged, according to the WHO. Erin Prater, Fortune Well, 12 Jan. 2024 Pence says that Biden’s lassitude on Ukraine is connected to his disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan, his foolish pursuit of a nuclear deal with Iran, and his recent turn toward dovishness on China. Matthew Continetti, National Review, 8 July 2023 See All Example Sentences for lassitude
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lassitude
Noun
  • When exhaustion threatened to derail my progress, focusing on just reaching the next marker renewed my determination.
    Natalie Nixon, Flow Space, 21 May 2025
  • Trade timing The timing for adding bearish exposure to DE is optimal, as the stock has reached a recent all-time high and is showing signs of exhaustion with bearish divergence on the weekly RSI.
    Tony Zhang, CNBC, 21 May 2025
Noun
  • Interestingly, this connection between boredom and satisfaction wasn’t linked to relationship conflicts or tension, meaning boredom alone can weaken a relationship over time.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
  • Rather than rising up and killing its former masters, Murderbot just goes about performing its security work, relieving the boredom by watching a lot of entertainment media; its favorite is a soap opera called The Rise and Fall of Sanctuary Moon.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 19 May 2025
Noun
  • Dejan Kulusevski Age: 25 Contract expires: 2028 The Sweden international was exceptional up until January when fatigue and a foot injury took their toll.
    Jay Harris, New York Times, 29 May 2025
  • For example, a recent study found two handfuls of almonds a day eased fatigue and muscle damage after a tough session.
    Cindy Kuzma, SELF, 28 May 2025
Noun
  • There can also be severe neurological changes, such as confusion or lethargy.
    Julie Scott, Verywell Health, 20 May 2025
  • Context Forty years ago in Azerbaijan in the south Caucuses region of western Asia, the laconic lethargy of Soviet bulk wine production was walloped by planned vineyard destruction.
    Tom Mullen, Forbes.com, 11 May 2025
Noun
  • Hours later, as the commanders slept at home in a medicated stupor, the handmaids spread out all over with the intent of killing Gilead’s leaders in their sleep.
    Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 16 May 2025
  • Drugs either didn’t work or put him in a severe stupor.
    Kayana Szymczak For The New York Times, New York Times, 13 May 2025
Noun
  • This languor expands in the velvety air.
    J.T. Townley, The New York Review of Books, 6 Mar. 2025
  • During an epidemic that otherwise made life hectic and clamorous, the militarized languor of the residents was glaring precisely because Liberians who were already displaced from the recent Civil War felt abandoned by the government.
    Edna Bonhomme, Rolling Stone, 11 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Lassitude.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lassitude. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

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