variants also loth or lothe

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

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 loath But, more likely than any other reason to decline the case, the Justices may be loath to get involved in any aspect of the Epstein mess. Jeannie Suk Gersen, New Yorker, 14 Aug. 2025 For now, the governor’s veto leaves it up to towns to act, and most have been loath to do so. Hugh Bailey, Hartford Courant, 1 Aug. 2025 Brands at this end in the market are loath to publicize just how much their most exclusive offering cost, but there’s a reason for this: their customer base frequently doesn’t care. Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 31 July 2025 But many state lawmakers are loath to allocate money to schools without guardrails, such as state Sen. Bob Hall, R-Edgewood, who blamed administrator pay for high education costs. Keri Heath, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for loath
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loath
Adjective
  • Estimates of the number of rapes committed vary widely — up to as many as 120,000 — according to data compiled by the researchers, with many reluctant to report the attacks.
    Dr. Ewelina U. Ochab, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2025
  • The Miami Herald attempted to speak with one of Dufresne’s sisters in Miami, but the family has been reluctant to go public, friends say.
    Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 30 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Yet even in the face of these losses, many retailers remain hesitant to modernize their approach to returns, fearing that stricter policies could hurt customer satisfaction.
    Footwear News, Footwear News, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Institutions remain hesitant, citing compliance uncertainty, poor execution quality, and limited integration with existing financial infrastructure.
    Sean Lee, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Loath.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loath. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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