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 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 But the opinion, written by Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr., went way further than necessary to insulate Trump from prosecution — not simply before the election, which the court, by its lassitude, had nearly guaranteed, but forever, even in the event that President Biden wins reelection. Ruth Marcus, Washington Post, 1 July 2024 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
  • Additionally, multitasking contributes to mental fatigue and negatively impacts overall well-being, with some participants reporting feelings of exhaustion after.
    Diane Brady, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2025
  • An intimate portrait of love and exhaustion that finds the comic edge in ordinary chaos.
    Anna Marie de la Fuente, Variety, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The floor spattered with boredom and apathy.
    Zuzana Říhová, Literary Hub, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Some dogs chew toys gently, while others tear them apart due to boredom, a strong prey drive, teething, or even attention-seeking.
    Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Most people suffer muscle aches, headaches, balance problems, fatigue and high fevers.
    David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 28 Sep. 2025
  • Other symptoms include abdominal pain, changes to bathroom habits, bloated stomach, unexplained weight loss, vomiting and fatigue and feeling short of breath, per the Cleveland Clinic.
    Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Panleukopenia - lethargy, depression, vomiting, diarrhea, painful abdomen, dehydration, weight loss, rough or unkempt hair coat, fever, decreased to absent appetite or collapse.
    Noe Padilla, IndyStar, 25 Sep. 2025
  • Per the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), symptoms of parvovirus can include lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, severe and often bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain and bloating, and fever or low body temperature (hypothermia).
    Becca Longmire, PEOPLE, 18 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The director does get solid performances out of his French and Italian cast, with the engaging Ronchi (Marco Bellocchio’s Sweet Dreams) playing a softspoken woman who seems to be in some kind of permanent stupor until her confessions bring her back to life.
    Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 5 Sep. 2025
  • After witnessing the kiss, Murtagh drinks himself into a stupor, eventually provoking a fight and ending up alone in his tent, drunk and bleeding.
    EW.com, EW.com, 30 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Infield singles by Jake Cronenworth and Tatis in the eighth inning, both of which caromed off pitcher Gregory Soto, broke up the offensive languor but did not result in the game being any closer.
    Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Sep. 2025
  • On Girl Violence, Strauss drenches her songs in feedback and languor, adding heat to her expressions of desire and comfort to her feelings of anxiety.
    Maura Johnston, Rolling Stone, 16 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lassitude.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lassitude. Accessed 3 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on lassitude

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!