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

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

Air strikes were not enough to defeat the Yemenis, but the Saudi Arabians and the Emiratis were loath to have their armies engage in ground combat. —Nicolas Niarchos, New Yorker, 19 May 2025

Some Republicans who’ve been loath to disagree publicly with Trump in recent months seem to share those concerns. —Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 9 May 2025

Courts may be loath to undermine a legal institution around which so many people plan their lives, Ms. Bonauto says. —Melanie Stetson Freeman, Christian Science Monitor, 8 May 2025

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