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 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 Men struggled to defeat lassitude and depression. Alex Kershaw, WSJ, 7 Sep. 2022 Most of the youthful actors give performances of a startling lassitude, although, to be charitable, that may be the fault of the plot—specifically, of the Blue, a nasty drink, vaguely reminiscent of toilet cleaner, which all the growing kids are required to swig. Anthony Lane, The New Yorker, 16 Apr. 2021 Founded by LeRoi Jones (no relation), who combined immense talent, critical acumen, and, after being brutalized by the police, a rusty shank of disdain for the lassitude of white America, the movement advanced the idea that white people’s approval was beside the point. Calvin Baker, The Atlantic, 2 Aug. 2020 See all Example Sentences for lassitude 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lassitude
Noun
  • But what’s catching up to us now is exhaustion and low energy.
    Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Feb. 2025
  • For Clark and thousands of other people in her shoes, the waves of exhaustion and optimism are likely to continue for a very long time.
    Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Chuao Mini Gourmet Chocolate Bars Gift Box Give the gift of chocolate while skipping the convenience store boredom.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 4 Feb. 2025
  • By blending education and entertainment, this approach captivates young minds and turns everyday lessons into memorable experiences that will hopefully banish those sighs of boredom for good.
    Fiona Tapp, Parents, 3 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Not the kind with sandbags and fatigues, but the kind that come with late-night rewrites, diapers, and a creative industry that treats women over 40 like yesterday’s news.
    SPIN Contributor, SPIN, 11 Feb. 2025
  • It may be accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, or profound fatigue.
    Lori B Daniels, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • The government has also been instrumental in supporting growth in recent months, through a spate of stimulus steps undertaken to revive the lethargy of an economy internally weighed down by lackluster domestic consumption and an extensive real estate slump.
    Anniek Bao,Ruxandra Iordache, CNBC, 17 Feb. 2025
  • On the other hand, pets with salmonella infections may exhibit lethargy or have symptoms such as diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting.
    Saman Shafiq, USA TODAY, 4 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Slim, chiselled Tom wakes from his stupor, newly determined to prove his haters wrong.
    Vinson Cunningham, The New Yorker, 25 Jan. 2025
  • Symptoms of severe illness include high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, disorientation, stupor, tremors, seizures, paralysis, or coma.
    Marley Malenfant, Austin American-Statesman, 4 Sep. 2024
Noun
  • Eastwood stars in both, and both suffer from some of the late-career languors that started to creep into his movies after a certain point, mostly due to a tendency to let dialogue scenes play on and on without much regard to rhythm or pace.
    Keith Phipps, Vulture, 1 Nov. 2024
  • That there was this kind of languor, a little bit of maturity.
    Lauren Huff, EW.com, 12 Sep. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near lassitude

Cite this Entry

“Lassitude.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lassitude. Accessed 23 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on lassitude

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