be loath

VERB

hate

Synonyms

STRONGEST

abhor despise detest loathe scorn shun

STRONG

abominate anathematize contemn curse deprecate deride disapprove disdain disfavor disparage execrate nauseate spurn

WEAK

be disgusted with be hostile to be reluctant be repelled by be sick of be sorry bear a grudge against can't stand feel malice to have an aversion to have enough of have no use for look down on not care for object to recoil from shudder at spit upon

Antonyms

STRONGEST

admire adore approve cherish like love

STRONG

commend compliment endorse flatter laud praise sanction

VERB

scruple

Synonyms

STRONG

boggle demur doubt falter fret gag hesitate question shy stick stickle stumble vacillate waver worry

WEAK

be reluctant be unwilling have qualms think twice about

Antonyms

STRONG

continue remain stay

WEAK

not care

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Arbitrators who are employed time and time again by the same companies with a large number of contracts that require arbitration may be loath to rule against them and lose out on their next paycheck.

From Slate • Apr. 27, 2026

A long-time proponent of independence for his Flemish-speaking region, he would be loath to relinquish the post of prime minister after years of questing for the top job.

From Barron's • Nov. 6, 2025

When companies are looking to replace a founder, they may be loath to pick one internal executive over another, fearing the person who doesn’t get the job will soon quit.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 1, 2025

He flagged it as something that I'd be loath to miss.

From Salon • Jul. 11, 2023

Cora thought that the whites would be loath to give up their freedoms, even in the name of security.

From "The Underground Railroad: A Novel" by Colson Whitehead

be loath

Example Sentences

Related Words