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

Republicans have long opposed revenue-raising tax increases, while both parties have been loath to sign on to politically toxic cuts to healthcare and retirement benefits for seniors. — Bloomberg, Mercury News, 20 Aug. 2026

But publishing houses are loath to entirely bar authors from using AI, because there are other ways it can usefully be deployed, such as to check grammar and conduct research—although there are risks in handing that latter job to a chatbot. — The Week Us, TheWeek, 17 Aug. 2026

Athena represents the personal reckoning Odysseus is so loath to face. — ArsTechnica, 1 Aug. 2026

Rates even dipped below 6% in February, raising hopes that this would unlock a tepid housing market, in which home seekers have been reluctant to buy and homeowners have been loath to give up lower pandemic-era rates. — Stephan Bisaha, NPR, 30 July 2026

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