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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 Here, long, languid meals have a habit of turning into heady (and nerdy) chats with staffers about sourcing and sustainability or special visits to the gardens or impromptu tastings in the wine cellar. Nicholas Derenzo, AFAR Media, 27 Dec. 2024 Day’s version, on the other hand, is slow and languid, bypassing the song’s inherent swing in favor of a lush swoon. Marc Hirsh, Vulture, 21 Dec. 2024 Through various sections, Mendes unfolds a languid and beautiful musical dream, with the help of his orchestra, while barely touching his piano. Felipe Maia, Rolling Stone, 9 Sep. 2024 Individual episodes can be slow, almost languid, and are often heavy with long stretches of dialogue and silent sequences of voyeuristic pursuit. Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 4 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for languid 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for languid
Adjective
  • 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
  • That’s why a noirish tenor sax snakes through the suite’s middle (played with languorous sensuality by PRISM Quartet’s Timothy McAllister), set to a lyre-like harp accompaniment.
    Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 9 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Its economy is already facing a deepening malaise, brought on by a property crisis, mounting government debt and weak consumer spending.
    David Pierson, New York Times, 22 Jan. 2025
  • The team continues to play great with a different weak spot each season, so maybe that’s part of the excitement and drama of being a fan of the franchise now. · 5h 1m ago Thanks Chandler, good stuff as always.
    Chandler Rome, The Athletic, 22 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Nearby, pedestrians take leisurely strolls along the Wrigley Greenbelt and bike riders zip across the L.A. River trail overhead.
    Laura Anaya-Morga, Los Angeles Times, 25 Jan. 2025
  • For either short trips to the store or long, leisurely road trips the E 450 is made to coddle you.
    Kristin Shaw, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The Blazers won on Sunday to break a five-game losing streak, but this team looked listless during that stretch.
    Zach Harper, The Athletic, 20 Jan. 2025
  • The Irish had 13 carries for 15 yards in the first half while looking listless on offense while trailing 10-3 at halftime.
    Terence Moore, Forbes, 19 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Opportunities were fewer and further between after that as City began to pick apart Chelsea’s feeble press, but three minutes before his substitution, Jackson was sent into a one-on-one with Stones in the left channel.
    Sam Lee, The Athletic, 25 Jan. 2025
  • Each, in its own way, has exposed the feeble condition of progressive politics.
    Ian Tuttle, National Review, 15 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Randle has often been slow to close out on 3-point shooters and inattentive off the ball.
    Jon Krawczynski, The Athletic, 18 Jan. 2025
  • The Israel Defense Forces have been slow to withdraw from their position in the southern part of Lebanon despite a Nov. 27 ceasefire deal that gave the Lebanese Army and the U.N. Interim Force in Lebanon exclusive jurisdiction over the region.
    Timothy Nerozzi, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 18 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Some women combat veterans and military experts say Hegseth's likely rise to Trump's cabinet has left them frustrated and exhausted and has revived tired, sexist arguments against their service.
    Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA TODAY, 18 Jan. 2025
  • The upstairs restaurant serves Italian classics with a twist, as well as couscous and dishes prepared in a wok, which can be a nice change for those tired of pizza and pasta.
    Gary Stoller, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • And finally, Maxey reportedly called him out in a team meeting for his lack of conditioning and lackadaisical play.
    Barry M. Bloom, Sportico.com, 28 Nov. 2024

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Thesaurus Entries Near languid

Cite this Entry

“Languid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/languid. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.

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