Definition of languorousnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective languorous differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of languorous are lackadaisical, languid, listless, and spiritless. While all these words mean "lacking energy or enthusiasm," languorous suggests a dreamy boredom and delicacy that avoids unnecessary activity.

languorous cats lying in the sun

When is it sensible to use lackadaisical instead of languorous?

In some situations, the words lackadaisical and languorous are roughly equivalent. However, lackadaisical implies a carefree indifference marked by half-hearted efforts.

lackadaisical college seniors pretending to study

When can languid be used instead of languorous?

The synonyms languid and languorous are sometimes interchangeable, but languid refers to an unwillingness or inability to exert oneself due to fatigue or physical weakness.

was depressed and languid for weeks after surgery

When would listless be a good substitute for languorous?

While in some cases nearly identical to languorous, listless suggests a lack of interest caused by physical weakness or dissatisfied boredom.

listless hospital patients
listless children flipping through picture books on a rainy day

In what contexts can spiritless take the place of languorous?

The meanings of spiritless and languorous largely overlap; however, spiritless refers to a lack of animation or vigor that gives one's actions and words life.

a spiritless recital of the poem

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 languorous As the days grow shorter and darker, and temperatures drop, there’s nothing quite like knowing there’s a warm, welcoming bed awaiting you at home to usher in a cozy night’s sleep, and long, languorous mornings when time allows. Hannah Coates, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2025 The prevailing trend, and antidote to turbulent, ever-changing times, was rather zen, languorous and quieting. Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 17 Sep. 2025 And throughout a 100-minute show, Cain recounted the story of a preacher’s daughter through wailing vocals, haunting drones, and meditative, languorous chants. Audrey Gibbs, Nashville Tennessean, 3 Sep. 2025 Planned or not, that mess is smoothed out as the film proceeds, and Washington’s performance goes from languorous and dazed to razor-sharp and darkly humorous—reminiscent of the work he’s done for Lee in the past. David Sims, The Atlantic, 19 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for languorous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for languorous
Adjective
  • As the sun sets, the fruit bats swoop among the trees as couples and young families lounge on large poolside cabanas, downing languid cocktails and listening to live guitar strums before heading for a casual dinner.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Apr. 2026
  • The pioneering alt-country band returns with its first album in 30 years—a set of cryptic, languid dirges that feels defiantly out-of-time.
    Zach Schonfeld, Pitchfork, 17 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • That specificity and boldness don’t appear much on Yo Favorite Trappa Favorite Rappa, a listless album that’s fashioned like a 2000s mixtape.
    Stephen Kearse, Pitchfork, 21 Apr. 2026
  • On Beef, Woosh (played by K-pop star BM) is a somewhat listless Korean Zoomer who works for chairman Park as a tennis instructor and also sells skincare products to the country club’s members.
    Natasha O'Neill, Vanity Fair, 16 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Because two years in, Kel’el Ware has been both a dynamic contributor and a lackadaisical bystander.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 14 Apr. 2026
  • The Nuggets played lackadaisical 1-on-1 and pick-and-roll defense on the perimeter.
    Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • For homeowners tired of robotic mowers that demand nearly as much effort as traditional ones, the K1 is a genuine upgrade.
    Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Susan Collins is an anemic and tired candidate.
    semafor.com, semafor.com, 30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The Chiefs turned that spiritless first half into a 28-7 blowout Monday night against the Commanders, opening the second half with touchdown drives of 80, 75 and 94 yards.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 28 Oct. 2025
  • From spiritless spirits to refusing to open up a bar tab, members of Generation Z are continuing to challenge alcohol traditions.
    Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Feeling a little funky, exhausted or sore can happen for a number of reasons, including perimenopause and menopause.
    Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 24 Apr. 2026
  • Tranquility notwithstanding, Suriel was exhausted.
    Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • If there is a chance of overwatering, plants tend to develop leaves that feel soft or limp rather than dry.
    Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 26 Apr. 2026
  • He was helped off the court with a limp, never to return.
    Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 26 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Even that session left me enervated and sleepy.
    Betsy Andrews, Travel + Leisure, 28 Apr. 2026
  • On this day in 1943, a body was dropped in the ocean near the sleepy shores of Huelva, Spain.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Languorous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/languorous. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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