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

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 With many news outlets offering little or no compensation for freelance writers, those humans will be loath to sell their souls so cheaply to train AI to replace them. —

Susie Alegre, WIRED, 8 Jan. 2025 With a 12-month extension prolonging his deal to 2026, Newcastle could command a reasonable fee for the 27-year-old, even if Howe is loath to lose him. —

James McNicholas, The Athletic, 6 Jan. 2025 Businesses are loath to lay off workers now after struggling to hire and retain workers just a few years ago. —

Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 23 Dec. 2024 As the West conditioned reconstruction and diplomatic engagement on the regime’s striving toward a political settlement with rebel groups, something Assad was loath to do, Syria grew isolated. —

Karam Shaar, Foreign Affairs, 20 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for loath