loath

adjective

ˈlōth How to pronounce loath (audio)
variants also loth or lothe
Definition of loathnext
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 The company is loath to tie up its best engineers with making security patches — a cost center — instead of developing new products and features that will generate profits, ProPublica has reported. — Renee Dudley, ProPublica, 29 July 2026 As Ghosh himself has noted, the ‘realistic’ novel is loath to make space for unlikely events—yet his solution to this problem is at odds with his own skill set. — Literary Hub, 23 July 2026 That means explicitly raising payroll taxes and restricting benefits, the two steps lawmakers are loath to take. — Howard Gleckman, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026 The subtext beneath that statement is that Syd recognizes why Tina might be loath to take orders from a boss who is younger and, relative to Carmy, inexperienced in the business. — Jen Chaney, Vulture, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for loath
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loath
  1. reluctant
  2. hesitant
Adjective
  • Signing Imai this winter represented a splash for a franchise that is reluctant to spend in free agency while signaling its advancement into the Pacific Rim.
    — Chandler Rome, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Public employers have been more reluctant to slash benefits or raise out-of-pocket costs compared with those in the private sector.
    — Bob Herman, STAT, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of reluctant
Adjective
  • After this crisis, some governments may also be even more hesitant to increase their dependence on China, which dominates clean energy supply chains, particularly for critical minerals, batteries, solar panels, and electric vehicles.
    — Jason Bordoff, Foreign Affairs, 14 Aug. 2026
  • In speaking with folks who live here, they are thrilled the city is now getting involved but are hesitant to claim any kind of victory just yet.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of hesitant

Browse Nearby Words

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loath
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Cite this Entry

“Loath.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loath. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on loath

Nglish: Translation of loath for Spanish Speakers

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