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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 Perhaps Goodman could withstand his sweatshop duties as a catcher while still producing the power its languid offense so desperately needs. Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 6 June 2025 The story’s epic scope is never matched by its languid unveiling, told in awkward conversation scenes where the pieces (and eyelines) don’t seem to fit. Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 25 May 2025 However unpredictable the weather was, brisk one moment then warm and languid the next, the AFW showgoers still set out to celebrate all of summer’s biggest trends. Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 19 May 2025 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 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
  • Precious metals and mining stocks were weak across both markets.
    Brendan Ahern, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
  • But Democrats see Earle-Sears as a far weaker candidate than Youngkin, operating a worse environment for the GOP.
    David Weigel, semafor.com, 8 July 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
  • However, the first baseman went 1-for-4 in the game, which featured a listless lineup, giving him a .143 average and a .447 OPS over his last 24 contests.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 29 June 2025
  • Buehler allowed four runs over a listless four-inning performance, and the offense squandered several key scoring chances late.
    Mac Cerullo, Hartford Courant, 29 June 2025
Adjective
  • Leon Goretzka intercepted a feeble Pulgar clearance about 25 yards from goal and rather than close out to him, three Flamengo players decided to block off the corner of the net to the left of goalkeeper Agustin Rossi.
    Liam Twomey, New York Times, 29 June 2025
  • First appearing in Street Fighter Alpha in 1995, Hibiki is consistently portrayed as an overconfident, arrogant and utterly feeble character.
    Justin Kroll, Deadline, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • Forecasters at the National Weather Service said there was the potential for additional catastrophic flooding and heavy rainfall in the region throughout Saturday, given the storm’s slow craw across the state.
    Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 5 July 2025
  • Even though we've all been told gray is on its way out for quite some time, it's been a slow burn.
    Tessa Cooper, Southern Living, 5 July 2025
Adjective
  • The toll on crew members goes far beyond simply being tired.
    Iona Brannon, Travel + Leisure, 6 July 2025
  • If tired, float or tread water until out of the rip current.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 6 July 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 15 Jul. 2025.

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