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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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 Such residents are among the most difficult to manage, and healthcare providers are loath to see the homes shuttered. — Carol Marbin Miller, Miami Herald, 25 Sep. 2026 Whereas Putin takes extravagant risks on the international stage but is loath to hold his associates accountable for incompetence, Xi is just the opposite. — Jonathan A. Czin, The Atlantic, 14 Sep. 2026 Because attacking chances are rare, the players are all loath to waste them and be the reason for the crowd to groan. — Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026 The Broncos have been loath to part with depth up front in past years. — Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for loath
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loath
  1. reluctant
  2. hesitant
Adjective
  • Still, the prospect of additional supply from American producers remains uncertain, with companies reluctant to commit to major new investments amid volatile prices and geopolitical risks.
    — Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Cast as Eva, the head of an international organization trying to save the planet in Project Hail Mary, Hüller spends this sci-fi blockbuster strictly on terra firma, acting as a socially awkward, deadpan foil for Ryan Gosling’s reluctant astronaut.
    — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of reluctant
Adjective
  • Producers could use advanced technology to increase the recovery rate, but that requires major investments, which companies are hesitant to make in a country led by a government with a history of breaking contracts and current instability.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Former Hartford Association of Teachers President Carol Gale was not so hesitant.
    — Theo Peck-Suzuki, Hartford Courant, 22 Oct. 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 28 Oct. 2026.

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