Definition of languorousnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective languorous differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of languorous are lackadaisical, languid, listless, and spiritless. While all these words mean "lacking energy or enthusiasm," languorous suggests a dreamy boredom and delicacy that avoids unnecessary activity.

languorous cats lying in the sun

When is it sensible to use lackadaisical instead of languorous?

In some situations, the words lackadaisical and languorous are roughly equivalent. However, lackadaisical implies a carefree indifference marked by half-hearted efforts.

lackadaisical college seniors pretending to study

When can languid be used instead of languorous?

The synonyms languid and languorous are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 would listless be a good substitute for languorous?

While in some cases nearly identical to languorous, 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 languorous?

The meanings of spiritless and languorous largely overlap; however, 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 languorous But, for those looking for something a bit more low-key with the languorous pace of the south, there’s always Puglia. Angela Tafoya, Vogue, 18 May 2026 In conversation, Cornish-Dale is cocky but likable, with a languorous way of speaking that reminded me of Simon Cowell. Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 14 May 2026 The prevailing trend, and antidote to turbulent, ever-changing times, was rather zen, languorous and quieting. Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 17 Sep. 2025 And throughout a 100-minute show, Cain recounted the story of a preacher’s daughter through wailing vocals, haunting drones, and meditative, languorous chants. Audrey Gibbs, Nashville Tennessean, 3 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for languorous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for languorous
Adjective
  • Opening night on Friday will showcase the Mehura competition, a more languid dance style, with graceful arm movements that have a theme or tell a story.
    Marcia Luttrell, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 July 2026
  • Built by Italian yard Benetti and extensively refreshed between 2018 and 2021, the 141-foot yacht combines François Zuretti interiors with generous outdoor spaces designed for languid days in the Balearic sun.
    Dea Jusufi, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026
Adjective
  • Berterame started up front along with Luis Suarez, but the duo were unable to find the back of the net in a listless first half that remained scoreless as the teams headed to intermission.
    Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 23 Aug. 2026
  • The Chiefs’ running game was so listless that defenses ignored fake handoffs and instead retreated to defend the pass, knowing the consequences of guessing wrong weren’t all that punishing anyway.
    Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 20 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Whitmore appeared in 21 games last season before coach Brian Keefe benched him in early December because of Whitmore’s lack of passing on offense and lackadaisical defense.
    Josh Robbins, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Its knit fabric never requires an iron or steamer, and it’s held up through countless washes without pilling despite my lackadaisical approach to laundry.
    Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 13 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • His handicapping merited attention and newsletter sales, but Steele soon tired of tipping his own hand to the oddsmakers in Vegas.
    Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
  • More and more young people are turning toward low- or no-tech lives, tired of the endless scroll most of us face for hours each day.
    Greta Cross, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The Chiefs turned that spiritless first half into a 28-7 blowout Monday night against the Commanders, opening the second half with touchdown drives of 80, 75 and 94 yards.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 28 Oct. 2025
  • From spiritless spirits to refusing to open up a bar tab, members of Generation Z are continuing to challenge alcohol traditions.
    Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Even Musk, despite his vow to take a chainsaw to the bureaucracy, seemed exhausted by the vastness of what his Department of Government Efficiency had taken on, and abandoned DOGE over a year earlier than planned.
    Jennifer Pahlka, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Create healthy boundaries around activities that might leave you feeling depleted or exhausted, such as unnecessary social media scrolling.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 17 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Her limp body was found by Hickerson’s brother in a living room chair, according to TMZ.
    Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • This sixth entry indeed takes us further into the Further, where a limp-haired Marilyn Manson-type entity called Cyrus Lam has its eyes on Gemma in the present day.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 19 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • During an allegedly sleepy period on the NBA schedule, the Lakers shook everyone awake with a blaring alarm.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Terrell, who is gay and doubles as a night-club promoter, brings in scores of drinkers to their perpetually sleepy pub, transforming it into Philadelphia’s trendiest gay bar.
    Paula Mejía, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Languorous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/languorous. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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