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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 Loosely scripted and influenced by European auteurs Béla Tarr and Chantal Akerman, these films favored long, choreographed shots, languid pacing and a disregard for Hollywood conventions. Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 27 Aug. 2025 The languid trip takes roughly two hours round-trip and costs approximately $19 (¥2,820); for a shorter ride of around 50 minutes round-trip, hop off in Kuronagi (US$11/¥1,660). Rob Goss, AFAR Media, 26 Aug. 2025 Compared with Lali, who has symmetrical posture and fluid movements, Nini is like an elderly, arthritic human—crooked, rigid, languid, tense. Tao Lin, Harpers Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025 That gave me time to freshen up and explore before meeting up with my friend Jacqueline for our first languid meal of the day. Eve Chen, USA Today, 19 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for languid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for languid
Adjective
  • The album took soul and gospel cues from his first record and extended them into languorous jams.
    Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 14 Oct. 2025
  • As the days grow shorter and darker, and temperatures drop, there’s nothing quite like knowing there’s a warm, welcoming bed awaiting you at home to usher in a cozy night’s sleep, and long, languorous mornings when time allows.
    Hannah Coates, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Relief on that levy—which stacks on top of Liberation Day tariffs—could be a boon for the Asian nation at a time when domestic demand is weak.
    Bloomberg, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2025
  • There, interactions between streams of liquid iron generate a magnetic field one quintillion times more powerful than that of an ordinary lab magnet (but thousands of times weaker than the Sun’s).
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Saturdays in West End are no longer leisurely when the Commodores are playing.
    Ralph D. Russo, New York Times, 26 Oct. 2025
  • While the temporary set no longer stands, fans can still visit the farm to enjoy a leisurely hike or take in the lush green landscape.
    Natalia Senanayake, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Ohtani—the Dodgers’ 10-year, $700 million man—came into the game with one hit in the best-of-seven series against the listless Milwaukee Brewers, who now trail 3-0 after losing, 3-1, at Dodger Stadium Thursday night.
    Barry M. Bloom, Sportico.com, 17 Oct. 2025
  • The Broncos were at the listless, rudderless end of The Bowlen Trust Years.
    Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 15 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Without getting into spoilers, her one-and-done appearance in Episode 5 presents the perfect opportunity for the more-than-capable Meester to match wits with Bell’s judgmental Joanna, only to strand the actor with boring, obvious jokes and saddle her with a feeble resolution.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 23 Oct. 2025
  • The feeble light from the fire wasn’t much help.
    Bill Shaber, Outdoor Life, 22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Those taking GLP-1s showed a slower rise in breath alcohol during the first 10 to 20 minutes and lower overall levels throughout.
    Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Researchers highlighted the current challenges for OCTOID, including slow thermal response and potential fatigue of CLCEs, and the weight of nichrome wires limiting flexibility.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 26 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • There isn’t an obvious replacement, but fans are tired and want something else.
    Chris Vannini, New York Times, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Her recipe is simple, elegant, and designed to keep the party going without anyone leaving jittery or tired.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • While the power opportunities are bright, the current earnings reports are much more dour as the oil sector slogs along with weakened activity.
    Jordan Blum, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2025
  • However, Bon Jovi found a surgeon who performed a medialization thyroplasty surgery, a cutting-edge procedure in which an implant was placed on the outside of his vocal cord to rebuild the weakened cord.
    Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Languid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/languid. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

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