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 Denver officials, fearful of repeating past mistakes from the urban renewal era, are loath to tear down the titans. Aldo Svaldi, Denver Post, 29 May 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 Joshua Kimmich remains the best right-back at the club, but is loath to play the position. Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 28 May 2025 Visiting her mother in 1982 with the intention of writing a family memoir of sorts, Niki struggles to square her westernized upbringing with a Japanese history and heritage that her mother is loath to talk about. Guy Lodge, Variety, 21 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for loath
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loath
Adjective
  • The holdout Republicans remain reluctant to give their votes, and their leaders have almost no room to spare, given their narrow majorities.
    Glen Luke Flanagan, Fortune, 30 June 2025
  • Set during the American Revolutionary War, this historical drama features Mel Gibson as Benjamin Martin, a peaceful farmer who becomes a reluctant war hero after his family is threatened.
    Jené Luciani Sena may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • Yet Merz’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU) – which leads Germany’s coalition government – is hesitant.
    Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 6 July 2025
  • His defense at second base is also still evolving, too, which accentuates why the Astros are hesitant to summon him.
    Chandler Rome, New York Times, 4 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Loath.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loath. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

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