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

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 Courts may be loath to undermine a legal institution around which so many people plan their lives, Ms. Bonauto says. Melanie Stetson Freeman, Christian Science Monitor, 8 May 2025 But board members historically have been loath to approve projects that lead to the loss of historic structures. Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2025 Drug prices are a political land mine, and companies are loath to raise prices given the anger among lawmakers and the public over medical costs. Joseph Choi, The Hill, 22 Apr. 2025 Many may understandably be loath to further tie themselves to Washington any time soon. Kurt M. Campbell, Foreign Affairs, 10 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for loath
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loath
Adjective
  • Elsewhere in the country, too, state agencies and providers that rely on SAMHSA funding and technical support are feeling isolated, lost and reluctant to reach out to the federal staff left at the agency, says Dr. Eric Rafla-Yuan, a psychiatrist in San Diego, Calif.
    Rhitu Chatterjee, NPR, 6 June 2025
  • Jobless claims — a proxy for layoffs — still remain low by historical standards, suggesting that employers are reluctant to cut staff despite uncertainty over Trump’s policies.
    Paul Wiseman, Los Angeles Times, 6 June 2025
Adjective
  • But some people may be hesitant about having any of their activities tracked to benefit a multi-trillion-dollar conglomerate.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 1 June 2025
  • In the meantime, businesses are left in the murky waters — hesitant to make more or ship more, unsure where to build factories or how high to raise prices.
    Alina Selyukh, NPR, 30 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Loath.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loath. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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