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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of loath
Many estates have been loath to relinquish ride rights.
—
Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 17 June 2025
However, most countries are loath to encourage secessionist movements.
—Kate Bartlett, Christian Science Monitor, 12 June 2025
The Biden administration assumed that this new regional conflict would strengthen the case for an Israel–Gulf state security alliance, but the Gulf states were loath to be dragged into that conflict.
—Vali Nasr, Foreign Affairs, 10 June 2025
Athletes and coaches are loath to admit even a shred of positive in any defeat, let alone in the immediate aftermath, but if ever the moral victory existed, can’t Inter Miami claim some of that even after a 4-0 defeat?
—Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 29 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for loath
Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 17 June 2025
However, most countries are loath to encourage secessionist movements.
—Kate Bartlett, Christian Science Monitor, 12 June 2025
The Biden administration assumed that this new regional conflict would strengthen the case for an Israel–Gulf state security alliance, but the Gulf states were loath to be dragged into that conflict.
—Vali Nasr, Foreign Affairs, 10 June 2025
Athletes and coaches are loath to admit even a shred of positive in any defeat, let alone in the immediate aftermath, but if ever the moral victory existed, can’t Inter Miami claim some of that even after a 4-0 defeat?
—Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 29 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for loath
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loath
Adjective
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What To Know Real estate agents who spoke to Redfin said buyers are becoming reluctant to finalize purchases due to economic uncertainties, in particular high mortgage rates, the potential impacts of tariffs, inflation and the possibility of a recession in the near future.—
Hugh Cameron,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 July 2025
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Knowing why people are reluctant to come back is just as critical as deciding how to bring them back.—
Dr. Adil Dalal,
Forbes.com,
24 July 2025
Adjective
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Teams are more hesitant, understandably so, given the penalties, to spend a bundle of money.—
Tony Jones,
New York Times,
31 July 2025
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Investors might become hesitant to pay an even higher premium, particularly given the substantial capital expenditure Microsoft is directing towards AI initiatives.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
31 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Loath.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loath. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.
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