LOATH Synonyms: 46 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

loath

adjective

ˈlōth

variants also loth or lothe

Definition of loath next

as in reluctant

slow to begin or proceed with a course of action because of doubts or uncertainty I was loath to accept his claim of having climbed Mount Everest

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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

Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of loath Three years in, each has become dependent on the other, though both are loath to admit it. —

Inkoo Kang, The New Yorker, 10 Dec. 2024 Barr says the recent presidential election results prove that viewers are eager for content that Hollywood has been loath to make. —

Tatiana Siegel, Variety, 27 Jan. 2025 But realists would be loath to undermine one of the greatest advantages the U.S. has long enjoyed as a world power—uncommonly warm relations with its closest neighbors. —

Jonathan Kirshner, Foreign Affairs, 22 Jan. 2025 Certainly not Lynch, who was loath to explain the meaning behind his often abstract films, preferring that his audience arrive at its own conclusions. —

Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 16 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for loath