Definition of languidnext
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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 On a languid boat trip through Champagne, France, a cruise-travel expert discovers the upside to sailing at five miles per hour. David Swanson, Travel + Leisure, 11 Jan. 2026 Where the original is an urgent plea, EWF’s take is a languid, finger-snapping stroll that, it could be argued, surpasses its source material. Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 14 Dec. 2025 Her voice, languid and honeyed, can glide over sensual R&B, bouncing reggaetón, shimmering pop or nostalgic jazz. Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 16 Oct. 2025 One-sided, slightly tipping top-handle bags emerged as well as mesh and net bags, also supporting the more languid fluid rtw looks. Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for languid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for languid
Adjective
  • Wicker, rattan, raffia, and marble make comfortable bedfellows, and all rooms have terraces with huge daybeds for languorous post-pilates reading sessions in the sun.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Jan. 2026
  • The album took soul and gospel cues from his first record and extended them into languorous jams.
    Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 14 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Trump has directed his ire toward the Department of Labor agency ever since former Commissioner Erika McEntarfer authorized the release of a weak jobs report last summer.
    David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 31 Jan. 2026
  • Procedures harden, decision paths lengthen, and people wait for permission rather than acting on weak signals from the environment.
    Mark Murphy, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • From sunset yoga and a world-class spa to leisurely strolls under the live oaks and days spent by the pool, activities at the 20,000-acre resort are numerous—and relaxing.
    Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 31 Jan. 2026
  • Most of the money engages the leisurely judgment of the bettors, who have all day to survey the odds or the records of the starting pitchers, or to apply their systems.
    Sean Williams, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Pageau smashed home his second goal late in the third to finish off a listless Flyers team.
    CBS News, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Against the Patriots, the Chargers appeared even more listless as Herbert struggled to connect with his receivers, completing 19 of 31 passes for 159 yards.
    Los Angeles Times staff, Los Angeles Times, 13 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • That said, international filmmaking is in feeble shape, partly because of the jambalaya of international co-productions, partly because of the inroads of television aesthetics, and partly because of the cloistered aestheticism of self-conscious art-house cinema.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 22 Jan. 2026
  • The feeble job market may be keeping wage growth subdued, some economists point out.
    George Avalos, Mercury News, 14 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Some folks who were moving a little slow, some folks wanted to dilute the Canadiana or the Big C Canadian of it.
    Ben Smith, semafor.com, 31 Jan. 2026
  • In practice, the process is slow, burdensome, and uncertain.
    James Broughel, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Plush cushioning on the insoles relieves tired feet during the day, making these comfortable enough to wear for hours.
    Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Some people are probably tired of hearing my name.
    Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The consumption of raw milk and other unpasteurized dairy products can cause serious health risks and be especially dangerous for people with weakened immune systems, according to the Food and Drug Administration.
    Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 4 Feb. 2026
  • The primary concern is costs, according to Bloomberg, along with weakened demand in China.
    Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 4 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Languid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/languid. Accessed 5 Feb. 2026.

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