Definition of lassitudenext

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun lassitude contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of lassitude are languor, lethargy, stupor, and torpor. While all these words mean "physical or mental inertness," lassitude stresses listlessness or indifference resulting from fatigue or poor health.

a depression marked by lassitude

Where would languor be a reasonable alternative to lassitude?

Although the words languor and lassitude have much in common, languor suggests inertia induced by an enervating climate or illness or love.

languor induced by a tropical vacation

When could lethargy be used to replace lassitude?

The words lethargy and lassitude can be used in similar contexts, but lethargy implies such drowsiness or aversion to activity as is induced by disease, injury, or drugs.

months of lethargy followed my accident

When might stupor be a better fit than lassitude?

While the synonyms stupor and lassitude are close in meaning, stupor implies a deadening of the mind and senses by shock, narcotics, or intoxicants.

lapsed into an alcoholic stupor

When would torpor be a good substitute for lassitude?

In some situations, the words torpor and lassitude are roughly equivalent. However, torpor implies a state of suspended animation as of hibernating animals but may suggest merely extreme sluggishness.

a once alert mind now in a torpor

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 lassitude Stranger by the Lake is a bookend of sorts to La Piscine, as both films seem to condemn their characters, and by extension, the counterculture surrounding them, to a lassitude incapable of any moral authority. Erik Morse, Vogue, 26 June 2025 The result of this lassitude is that cars still rule the streets. Justin Davidson, Curbed, 18 Apr. 2025 Wakefield-Scurr’s discoveries have helped rupture the long-standing lassitude. Megan Feringa, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025 After so many episodes, there is no lassitude and the Mbappé saga continues to enliven conversations in France’s sports bars. Samuel Petrequin, USA TODAY, 12 Feb. 2024 See All Example Sentences for lassitude
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lassitude
Noun
  • Since last week, attacks have come day and night, compounding the terror of overnight strikes with the exhaustion of constant daytime disruption.
    ABC News, ABC News, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Willcox, who traveled with them, said the exhaustion was real, but that competing across disciplines had, paradoxically, helped.
    Andrew Rice, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • While stereotypes focus on tragedy and horror, Rosales reorients our gaze, revealing moments of tenderness and boredom, rest and joy.
    Myriam Gurba, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026
  • That’s a level of commitment that would make even a stalwart Zen meditator fidget with frustrated boredom.
    Mack DeGeurin, Popular Science, 9 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Nighttime breathing problems and daytime fatigue raise your risk of heart disease and stroke — and menopause significantly increases your risk of getting it.
    Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Momentum evaporates quickly amid donor fatigue and the return to daily operations.
    Stewart McLaurin, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Be aware of and report any coyotes exhibiting behavior indicative of rabies, such as staggering, seizures and extreme lethargy.
    Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Its bureaucratic process and institutional lethargy are proving, unexpectedly, to be an asset in an age of instability.
    JONAS NAHM, Foreign Affairs, 14 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Patients may experience a very high fever, headaches, neck pain, stupor, disorientation, muscle weakness and other serious symptoms.
    Irene Wright, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Fernández’s theory is that Mark must have told the women the code to his safe in his pliant stupor.
    Mattha Busby, Rolling Stone, 19 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Your morning of chores or physical activity has imbued you with a sense of achievement and a faint, pleasurable languor.
    AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Liu’s Dominique sometimes loses patience and cuts through the languor with some common sense.
    Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Lassitude.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lassitude. Accessed 19 Sep. 2026.

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