Synonyms of loath

loath

adjective

ˈlōth 

variants also loth or lothe

as in reluctant

slow to begin or proceed with a course of action because of doubts or uncertainty

I was loath to accept his claim of having climbed Mount Everest

Synonyms & Similar Words

• reluctant
• hesitant
• unwilling
• reticent
• disinclined
• cagey
• cagy
• indisposed
• averse
• dubious
• ambivalent
• unenthusiastic
• unsure
• conflicted
• uncertain
• skeptical
• uneager
• timid
• questioning
• irresolute
• wobbly
• faltering
• infirm
• undecided
• indecisive
• doubtful
• wabbly
• halting
• vacillating
• shy
• fainthearted

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• inclined
• eager
• glad
• happy
• willing
• keen
• ready
• enthusiastic
• disposed
• decided
• certain
• sure
• determined
• resolute
• unquestioning

Synonym Chooser

How is the word loath different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of loath are averse, disinclined, hesitant, and reluctant. While all these words mean "lacking the will or desire to do something indicated," loath implies hesitancy because of conflict with one's opinions, predilections, or liking.

seems loath to trust anyone

Where would averse be a reasonable alternative to loath?

In some situations, the words averse and loath are roughly equivalent. However, averse implies a holding back from or avoiding because of distaste or repugnance.

averse to hard work

not averse to an occasional drink

When could disinclined be used to replace loath?

The synonyms disinclined and loath are sometimes interchangeable, but disinclined implies lack of taste for or inclination.

disinclined to move again

disinclined for reading

In what contexts can hesitant take the place of loath?

While in some cases nearly identical to loath, hesitant implies a holding back especially through fear or uncertainty.

hesitant about asking for a date

When is it sensible to use reluctant instead of loath?

While the synonyms reluctant and loath are close in meaning, reluctant implies a holding back through unwillingness.

a reluctant witness

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of loath

The Trial Guy, though loath to seem rude, noted some fresh aches: hip flexors, ribs, mat burn on the tops of his toes. —Nick Paumgarten, The New Yorker, 24 Mar. 2025

Molly is generally loath to tell people about her diagnosis, wary of being seen by others as just the woman who has cancer. —Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 27 Mar. 2025

Many executives at networks owned by Paramount Global are loath to take big swings and run up more costs, says the person familiar with the matter, as the parent company pushes to consummate its acquisition by Skydance Media. —Brian Steinberg, Variety, 26 Mar. 2025

Nero Wolfe, who is loath to set foot outside his brownstone on West Thirty-fifth Street, is obsessed with orchids and dedicates four hours a day to tending to them in his plant rooms on the roof. —Jill Lepore, The New Yorker, 17 Mar. 2025

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