variants also loth or lothe

Synonym Chooser

How is the word loath different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of loath are averse, disinclined, hesitant, and reluctant. While all these words mean "lacking the will or desire to do something indicated," loath implies hesitancy because of conflict with one's opinions, predilections, or liking.

seems loath to trust anyone

Where would averse be a reasonable alternative to loath?

In some situations, the words averse and loath are roughly equivalent. However, averse implies a holding back from or avoiding because of distaste or repugnance.

averse to hard work
not averse to an occasional drink

When could disinclined be used to replace loath?

The synonyms disinclined and loath are sometimes interchangeable, but disinclined implies lack of taste for or inclination.

disinclined to move again
disinclined for reading

In what contexts can hesitant take the place of loath?

While in some cases nearly identical to loath, hesitant implies a holding back especially through fear or uncertainty.

hesitant about asking for a date

When is it sensible to use reluctant instead of loath?

While the synonyms reluctant and loath are close in meaning, reluctant implies a holding back through unwillingness.

a reluctant witness

Examples 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 loath Tucker, like Valdez, is one year away from free agency and expected to command the sort of free-agent contract Houston owner Jim Crane is loath to give. Chandler Rome, The Athletic, 14 Dec. 2024 Equally important, Russia—the Assad regime’s most important backer—maintains its all-important warm-water naval port in Tartus, an asset that Russian leaders have prioritized for centuries and would be loath to lose now. Hussein Ibish, The Atlantic, 8 Dec. 2024 Some said their families had belonged to various parishes for generations and were loath to give them up. Jonathan M. Pitts, Baltimore Sun, 29 Nov. 2024 Traditionally, Egypt has been loath to get enmeshed in Gazan affairs. Michael Wahid Hanna, Foreign Affairs, 26 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for loath 

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Thesaurus Entries Near loath

Cite this Entry

“Loath.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loath. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.

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