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

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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 At first, mathematicians were loath to follow his lead. — Leila Sloman, Quanta Magazine, 26 June 2026 Companies may be loath to hire such workers if doing so invokes a $285 a month fee to the state per uninsured employee, as the Senate had at that time proposed. — Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 17 June 2026 However, this could put new Fed chair Kevin Warsh, who is loath to raise interest rates, in a sticky situation. — Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 3 June 2026 At times, the piano players in his groups would simply back off during part of Rollins’ solos, loath to risk following the twisting pathways of his improvising. — Don Heckman, Los Angeles Times, 26 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for loath
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loath
  1. reluctant
  2. hesitant
Adjective
  • The French government has historically been far more accommodating toward Moscow than either London or Washington, and the TotalEnergies leadership was visibly reluctant to sever ties with Russia ties throughout the conflict.
    — Ariel Cohen, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
  • Many people were reluctant to speak, as if the virus were taboo.
    — Brittney Melton, NPR, 21 July 2026
Definition of reluctant
Adjective
  • Its aging customer base had stopped eating out or died during the pandemic, and older customers were still hesitant to go back.
    — Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Especially in the trucking industry, where the average truck driver is 47 years old, workers may be hesitant toward AI.
    — Toni Pisano, Forbes.com, 31 July 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 3 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on loath

Nglish: Translation of loath for Spanish Speakers

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