Find Antonyms
languish Antonyms
Opposite of languish
Because the opposite of languish shifts with each meaning, the 11 antonyms and opposite words below are separated across 3 exact definitions and ranked by contrast strength.
• verb (Context 1)
To be forced to remain in an unpleasant, neglected, or stagnant place or situation without making progress.
Usage Example
"The housing reform bill continued to advance in committee for several months before finally coming to a vote."
Strongest
advance
progress
Strong
succeed
flourish
• verb (Context 2)
To lose or lack vitality, strength, or energy; to grow weak, feeble, or listless.
Usage Example
"Without sufficient sunlight and water, the potted plants began to thrive on the windowsill."
Strongest
thrive
flourish
prosper
Strong
blossom
burgeon
bloom
• verb (Context 3)
To pine with longing, unrequited love, or grief, or to assume a sentimentally sorrowful expression.
Usage Example
"In classic romantic poetry, the hero often languishes for a distant beloved who never returns his affection."
Strong
rejoice
exult
Similar words to languish
Words similar to languish shift depending on context. Common synonyms include:
pine
stagnate
wither
weaken
wilt
waste away
yearn
flag
• Nearby Words
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Antonyms for Languish. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/antonyms/languish