as in boredom
physical or mental inertness the doctor suspected that the patient's depression and lethargy were a result of seasonal affective disorder

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the noun lethargy contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of lethargy are languor, lassitude, stupor, and torpor. While all these words mean "physical or mental inertness," lethargy implies such drowsiness or aversion to activity as is induced by disease, injury, or drugs.

months of lethargy followed my accident

When would languor be a good substitute for lethargy?

The words languor and lethargy are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, languor suggests inertia induced by an enervating climate or illness or love.

languor induced by a tropical vacation

When is lassitude a more appropriate choice than lethargy?

The words lassitude and lethargy can be used in similar contexts, but lassitude stresses listlessness or indifference resulting from fatigue or poor health.

a depression marked by lassitude

Where would stupor be a reasonable alternative to lethargy?

Although the words stupor and lethargy have much in common, stupor implies a deadening of the mind and senses by shock, narcotics, or intoxicants.

lapsed into an alcoholic stupor

When is it sensible to use torpor instead of lethargy?

The meanings of torpor and lethargy largely overlap; 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 lethargy But in January 2021, Hurley watched as her usually spunky youngest daughter began experiencing nose bleeds and prolonged bouts of lethargy. Johnny Dodd, People.com, 15 June 2025 Severe infections can also include aches, headaches, elevated fever, lethargy, rashes, and blood in the urine or stool. Mike Snider, USA Today, 8 June 2025 Beginning in February, hundreds of dolphins and sea lions started washing up on California beaches, either dead or suffering neurotoxin poisoning symptoms such as aggression, lethargy and seizures. Corinne Purtill, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 2025 Neurological Effects Very high levels of magnesium can affect the brain and nervous system, leading to symptoms like drowsiness, confusion, lethargy, and depression. Abby Norman, Verywell Health, 13 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for lethargy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lethargy
Noun
  • Many animal behaviorists also warn the practice fails to address the root cause of excessive barking—often anxiety, boredom, or inadequate training.
    Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 June 2025
  • Factor 2: Antisocial behavior (e.g., deviance from an early age, aggression, impulsivity, irresponsibility, proneness to boredom).
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • Raúl Jiménez brought the crowd out of its stupor less than two minutes into the second half, chasing a through ball from Santiago Giménez into the penalty area, then finishing with his right foot from the edge of the six-yard box to double the lead.
    Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 15 June 2025
  • The soup throwers and activists blindfolding statues hope to wake us from our climate stupor.
    Marianne Krasny, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Lethargy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lethargy. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.

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