Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective spiritless differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of spiritless are lackadaisical, languid, languorous, and listless. While all these words mean "lacking energy or enthusiasm," spiritless refers to a lack of animation or vigor that gives one's actions and words life.

a spiritless recital of the poem

When might lackadaisical be a better fit than spiritless?

In some situations, the words lackadaisical and spiritless are roughly equivalent. However, lackadaisical implies a carefree indifference marked by half-hearted efforts.

lackadaisical college seniors pretending to study

When can languid be used instead of spiritless?

The words languid and spiritless are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, languid refers to an unwillingness or inability to exert oneself due to fatigue or physical weakness.

was depressed and languid for weeks after surgery

When could languorous be used to replace spiritless?

The words languorous and spiritless can be used in similar contexts, but languorous suggests a dreamy boredom and delicacy that avoids unnecessary activity.

languorous cats lying in the sun

In what contexts can listless take the place of spiritless?

Although the words listless and spiritless have much in common, listless suggests a lack of interest caused by physical weakness or dissatisfied boredom.

listless hospital patients
listless children flipping through picture books on a rainy day

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 spiritless From spiritless spirits to refusing to open up a bar tab, members of Generation Z are continuing to challenge alcohol traditions. Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2025 The Senators looked spiritless days ago in their building Saturday night ahead of Game 4. Julian McKenzie, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025 Amid the spiritless spirits and a bevy of alcohol-free wines, ciders, and beers, luxury sparkling teas are comfortably the most exciting emerging trend in the low and no-alcohol sphere. Camille Berry, Vogue, 29 Apr. 2025 Dance sections lacked charm; lyric passages were spiritless; the klezmer episodes in the third movement were strictly goyish. Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 9 Dec. 2024 Yet the club dropped the contest in spiritless fashion, 6-2. Julian McWilliams, BostonGlobe.com, 12 Aug. 2023 Lil Wayne is not tolerating spiritless crowds at his shows. Daniela Avila, Peoplemag, 15 May 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spiritless
Adjective
  • Hiring activity has been listless this year, and the latest data isn’t showing much of a turnaround.
    Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2025
  • His at-bats over the past two weeks often looked listless.
    Zack Meisel, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • More pertinently, if Iroegbunam or Gueye tired or did not screen passes correctly (shown below), Rogers and Emiliano Buendia had huge spaces to receive and turn, owing to Everton’s deep centre-backs refusing to step out.
    Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2025
  • If tired, float or tread water until out of the rip current.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Sorry to all the girlies who are lackadaisical about leaving home and would rather rub their feet together in bed.
    Essence, Essence, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Patience is the hallmark of Chinese operators, but the other side of this story is the lackadaisical attitude toward security that remains all too common among Western IT managers.
    Emil Sayegh, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Or perhaps its author was just exhausted, which would be entirely understandable.
    Liz Schubauer, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
  • So, yeah, when all was said and done, Jones was exhausted.
    Michael Silver, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Stevenson has become more intentional with his efforts to understand offensive concepts and routes and the ways opposing teams often attack his weak spots.
    Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • But this weaker god jumped in without hesitation and was gifted the ability to become Tonatiuh, the sun.
    Michael Schulman, New Yorker, 6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Raeleigh Phillips-Steelsmith, 24, of Lawrenceburg, admitted to reckless homicide in September in connection with the death of her 9-day-old son, Emmett Phillips, who was found cold, blue and limp in March 2024, Dearborn County Prosecutor Lynn Deddens said.
    Fox19 staff, Cincinnati Enquirer, 8 Oct. 2025
  • After a freeze, leaves will turn limp and brown and droop to the ground.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Ferragamo leaned into languid elegance — soft silhouettes, rich color and covetable bags that reinforce the house codes.
    Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2025
  • While not abandoning core design DNA—crisp, modern tailoring, languid sensuality, and oodles of good taste to wit—the brand delivered a collection that felt like a breath of fresh air.
    Roxanne Robinson, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • As the days grow shorter and darker, and temperatures drop, there’s nothing quite like knowing there’s a warm, welcoming bed awaiting you at home to usher in a cozy night’s sleep, and long, languorous mornings when time allows.
    Hannah Coates, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2025
  • The prevailing trend, and antidote to turbulent, ever-changing times, was rather zen, languorous and quieting.
    Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 17 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Spiritless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spiritless. Accessed 10 Oct. 2025.

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