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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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 Because attacking chances are rare, the players are all loath to waste them and be the reason for the crowd to groan. — Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026 The Broncos have been loath to part with depth up front in past years. — Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 27 Aug. 2026 Some of it is tied to precious metals supported by the grim reality that policymakers are loath to correct our fiscal problems and prefer to monetize them instead. — Michael Khouw, CNBC, 21 Aug. 2026 Republicans have long opposed revenue-raising tax increases, while both parties have been loath to sign on to politically toxic cuts to healthcare and retirement benefits for seniors. — Bloomberg, Mercury News, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for loath
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loath
  1. reluctant
  2. hesitant
Adjective
  • In the post-George Floyd era, some young adults have been reluctant to become police officers compared to the days when departments were flooded with applications from eager jobseekers.
    — Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Day told the Herald that Fencebridge has been operating in Haiti for four years but was reluctant to offer details about that work.
    — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of reluctant
Adjective
  • Chang was still hesitant to believe that Raman was actually going to win, having watched Hong’s polling advantage in Wisconsin evaporate.
    — Benjamin Wallace-Wells, New Yorker, 18 Oct. 2026
  • None of these feel significant to the business, but each one gives a hesitant buyer a reason to pause, and pauses are where deals go to die.
    — Dr. Sariki Abungwo, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of hesitant

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Cite this Entry

“Loath.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loath. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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