LANGUISH Synonyms: 27 Similar and Opposite Words

languish

verb

ˈlaŋ-gwish

Definition of languish

as in to fade

to lose bodily strength or vigor older people, especially, were languishing during the prolonged heat wave

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 languish But as fights over AI and data centers have roiled politics in recent weeks, legislation to regulate both has languished nationally and in Missouri. — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 24 June 2026 Comcast’s stock has languished for years, reflecting Wall Street skepticism about its combination of content and distribution and its ability to compete with the likes of Netflix. — Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 29 June 2026 After languishing for more than a year, Perry’s nomination for Chicago’s top federal law enforcement post was pulled, and Biden instead nominated her for federal district judge in 2024. — Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 17 June 2026 The Costume Institute’s main dedicated galleries previously languished in the basement, and the department is responsible for raising most of its own budget each year, a task accomplished in large part by its annual fund-raiser, the starry Met Gala. — Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for languish

Recent Examples of Synonyms for languish

Verb

But rental business owners like Zhao observed that the rental prices have begun to slide as novelty surrounding these stunt-performing androids fades.

— John Liu, CNN Money, 30 June 2026
The combination of hyaluronic and azelaic acid does wonders to fade dark spots, soothe redness, and deeply hydrate.

— Olivia Dubyak, InStyle, 30 June 2026

Definition of fade

Verb

The flow of dark traffic is one of the factors that helped explain why oil markets had weakened significantly by early June, together with a surge in exports from the US and pullback in buying by China.

— Weilun Soon, Fortune, 5 July 2026
But as several surveys have consistently indicated, optimism about our country's outlook has undeniably weakened.

— Robert Hormats, Time, 4 July 2026

Definition of weaken

Verb

News of his death – one example of the political violence roiling America in recent years – quickly went global, with graphic videos flooding social media and politicians on both sides of the aisle swiftly condemning the killing.

— Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
Leo Jimenez also went deep for the Marlins, who set a franchise record with 12 homers for a three-game series.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 6 July 2026

Definition of go

Verb

From 1994 to 2018, Mexico failed to win a World Cup knockout game and, in 2022, failed to advance past the group stage — its worst showing at a World Cup since 1978.

— Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
Such a bond occurs when a judge grants a compassionate release for inmates who are in failing health and no longer a threat to the community.

— Kamal Morgan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 July 2026

Definition of fail

Verb

Another tip is to keep a small microfiber cloth under the bathroom sink or in a drawer for fast cleaning.

— Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 2 July 2026
Samsung Electronics tumbled more than 7% while SK Hynix sank over 9% at the open, wiping out billions in market value as Asia’s largest chipmakers bore the brunt of the global tech selloff.

— Jenny Lee, CNBC, 2 July 2026

Definition of sink

Verb

While terracotta pots and baskets lined with coconut coir have their uses, these types of containers dry out much faster and will need careful management to ensure plants don't wither away.

— Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 July 2026
The truth was that all of it was, and is, simply withering away.

— Ann Manov, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026

Definition of wither

Browse Nearby Words

languidness

languish

languished

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“Languish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/languish. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of languish

verb

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