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

Synonym Chooser

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 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 The subtext beneath that statement is that Syd recognizes why Tina might be loath to take orders from a boss who is younger and, relative to Carmy, inexperienced in the business. — Jen Chaney, Vulture, 26 June 2026 Also, with the Nikkei 225 Stock Average roaring to all-time highs above 71,000, the BOJ is loath to get in the way. — William Pesek, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026 Think about how loath Kamala Harris was to criticize Joe Biden during the 2024 election, and how that may have hurt her with swing voters—and then imagine how that might work with a president who is both more vengeful and more influential with his base. — David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 11 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for loath
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loath
  1. reluctant
  2. hesitant
Adjective
  • Martha Washington — America’s first first lady, although such a title had not yet been coined — was reluctant to move to the new presidential household in New York and struggled with her new role as a hostess of presidential drawing rooms.
    — Jenny Jarvie Follow, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
  • If the labor market weakens, then the FOMC may be a little more reluctant to raise interest rates due to risking job losses and a potential economic slowdown.
    — Simon Moore, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
Definition of reluctant
Adjective
  • When team members seem disconnected, less motivated or hesitant to contribute, leaders need to look beyond surface-level symptoms and determine what’s really standing in the way of stronger participation and performance.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
  • Some delegates were hesitant, but a committee was appointed to draft the document.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 1 July 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 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on loath

Nglish: Translation of loath for Spanish Speakers

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