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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective languid differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of languid are lackadaisical, languorous, listless, and spiritless. While all these words mean "lacking energy or enthusiasm," 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 lackadaisical be used to replace languid?

The synonyms lackadaisical and languid are sometimes interchangeable, but lackadaisical implies a carefree indifference marked by half-hearted efforts.

lackadaisical college seniors pretending to study

When is it sensible to use languorous instead of languid?

While the synonyms languorous and languid are close in meaning, languorous suggests a dreamy boredom and delicacy that avoids unnecessary activity.

languorous cats lying in the sun

When is listless a more appropriate choice than languid?

The words listless and languid are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

In what contexts can spiritless take the place of languid?

Although the words spiritless and languid have much in common, spiritless refers to a lack of animation or vigor that gives one's actions and words life.

a spiritless recital of the poem

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 languid The third-highest scorer in the Premier League this season, Isak, who combines clinical finishing with a languid elegance, is already one of the world’s elite strikers. Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025 The languid pace of this season and bevy of characters has pushed some — including Fabian — to the show’s sidelines. Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 3 Apr. 2025 This straightforward plot is often broken up by poetic interludes, made up of languid shots of a changing cityscape. Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 17 Mar. 2025 Her languid demeanor, even in the face of minor entrapment, has led to plenty of laughter among viewers online. John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for languid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for languid
Adjective
  • Warfare tells the harrowing story of their rescue in real time—even though much of this movie is constructed from long, languorous takes, the film moves forward in tense fits and starts.
    Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 11 Apr. 2025
  • But in many performances, much of its detail can seem puzzling or pointless—vigorous or languorous notes spinning between the overwhelming climaxes.
    David Denby, The Atlantic, 1 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Weak Treasury Demand Moved Rates More recently, in the wake of the administration’s chaotic trade policy rollout, Treasury security auctions did not go as expected, with weak demand pushing rates up higher than everyone expected.
    Norbert Michel, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
  • That’s why he’s been able to generate so much weak contact over the years.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 27 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Walking Faster Improves Health in Multiple Ways In addition to decreasing irregular heartbeat risks, steady and brisk walking was also connected to other improvements in overall health compared with leisurely walking.
    Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 16 Apr. 2025
  • Cabs tend to arrive quickly but allow enough time for a leisurely trip since the calas are north of the hotel and the airport is south.
    Jennifer Fernández Solano, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • There are no darker days in a season than the ones that see relegation confirmed and for Southampton, listless for so much of this Premier League campaign, the moment arrived on Sunday.
    Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
  • When intentionally chosen, the right scent can even shift your mood—lifting you out of a listless haze or helping ease a frantic pace.
    Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Right-hander Michael King toyed with Colorado’s feeble offense and pitched his first complete-game shutout.
    Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 13 Apr. 2025
  • One feeble shift by the Freddy Gaudreau line led to the Flames countering and Sharangovich scoring on a deflection off a harmless-looking shot by Martin Pospisil.
    Michael Russo, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The company reaffirmed plans to launch an affordable model in early 2025, but warned the production ramp could be slower than expected.
    Akash Sriram and Abhirup Roy, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Global headline inflation is expected to decline at a slightly slower pace than what was expected in January.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • But people here are tired of seeing Farmington in the headlines as a town that's losing population.
    Kirk Siegler, NPR, 24 Apr. 2025
  • And there’s kids who are tired, or crying or can’t handle it.
    Andy Mitten, New York Times, 22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • With over 70 beaches—the most of any Greek island—Milos is a destination for those seeking lackadaisical days spent lounging in and out of cerulean waters.
    Elise Taylor, Vogue, 16 Apr. 2025
  • Many said the progressive-sounding program is being pushed by indifferent state leaders and is creating lackadaisical security conditions in already dangerous work environments.
    William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 10 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Languid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/languid. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

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