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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective languid differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of languid are lackadaisical, languorous, listless, and spiritless. While all these words mean "lacking energy or enthusiasm," languid refers to an unwillingness or inability to exert oneself due to fatigue or physical weakness.

was depressed and languid for weeks after surgery

When could lackadaisical be used to replace languid?

The synonyms lackadaisical and languid are sometimes interchangeable, but lackadaisical implies a carefree indifference marked by half-hearted efforts.

lackadaisical college seniors pretending to study

When is it sensible to use languorous instead of languid?

While the synonyms languorous and languid are close in meaning, languorous suggests a dreamy boredom and delicacy that avoids unnecessary activity.

languorous cats lying in the sun

When is listless a more appropriate choice than languid?

The words listless and languid are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, listless suggests a lack of interest caused by physical weakness or dissatisfied boredom.

listless hospital patients
listless children flipping through picture books on a rainy day

In what contexts can spiritless take the place of languid?

Although the words spiritless and languid have much in common, spiritless refers to a lack of animation or vigor that gives one's actions and words life.

a spiritless recital of the poem

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 languid Jokić made another languid but undeniable case for his best player in the world candidacy, finishing Game 5 with an efficient 44/15/5 line. Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 15 May 2025 Once Upon a Time in Gaza is fairly tame, even a bit languid, in its opening sequences, until a corrupt cop (Ramzi Maqdisi) barges in to get a piece of Osama’s business. Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 19 May 2025 With its sprawling greens and languid creek, Charlotte’s Quail Hollow Club is a suitable host for this year’s PGA Championship. Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 15 May 2025 The sequel has more glamour, more trouble and maybe a bit too much nonsense 1 Comments The first Simple Favor, from 2018, was a playful, shallow mystery most notable for casting the lovely, languid Blake Lively as a cynical, devious clothes horse named Emily Nelson. Tom Gliatto, People.com, 30 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for languid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for languid
Adjective
  • His Southern drawl sounds like a languorous cross between early Brando and Mr. Blackwell.
    Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2025
  • In the summer, people here are too busy enjoying themselves—drinking on patios, reading languorous books, stretching weekends in Crystal Beach or Sherkston out over three, four, five days—to do much of any importance.
    Aidan Ryan June 4, Literary Hub, 4 June 2025
Adjective
  • The inference here is that women’s speech is coded as weak and men’s, the direct opposite.
    Megan C. Reynolds, Time, 27 June 2025
  • Total textile and apparel exports declined from $44.4 billion in fiscal year 2022 to $35.8 billion in fiscal year 2024 (ending March 31), due to weak global demand and elevated production costs.
    Mayu Saini, Sourcing Journal, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • Moreover, the split season allowed leisurely hunting.
    Jack O'Connor, Outdoor Life, 26 June 2025
  • First popular as a leisurely racquet sport among the aristocracy of England, tennis players often wore long trousers, sporty knit vests and even neckties to dress for the sport.
    Brett F. Braley-Palko, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • Gilgeous-Alexander lost steam as the game went on, with his possessions looking more listless.
    Jared Weiss, New York Times, 21 June 2025
  • It’s been listless this week after unveiling several modest upcoming changes to the software that runs its devices.
    Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2025
Adjective
  • Whether the result of drugs, alcohol or general hysteria, these terrifying men would enter trance-like states and charge into battle, ignoring severe injuries and collapsing into a feeble heap immediately after the fight concluded.
    Drew Gerber, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
  • Two hotels in the East Bay have tumbled into bankruptcy ahead of scheduled foreclosures, in a fresh sign that post-coronavirus maladies still afflict the feeble lodging markets in the Bay Area.
    George Avalos, Mercury News, 10 June 2025
Adjective
  • Juicy, tender ribs are hard to beat, and cooking them low and slow is the key to achieving that irresistible fall-off-the-bone texture and deep, savory flavor.
    Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 23 June 2025
  • And then there is a style that believes reading should mimic the obstruction and slow struggle of writing.
    Benjamin Hale June 23, Literary Hub, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • Mowing Lawns Homeowners are usually away on vacation or are probably too tired to maintain their yards.
    Sho Dewan, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
  • But, in Dick’s opinion, Charlie grew tired of baseball’s daily grind.
    Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 22 June 2025
Adjective
  • With so much to do, and with a lackadaisical sense of urgency, each area is filled with gleeful distractions.
    Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 1 July 2025
  • Now then, some angry pundits will excoriate you for being so lackadaisical.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Languid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/languid. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

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