Find Synonyms

languish Synonyms

Another word for languish

Choosing another word for languish depends on context, so the 22 synonyms and similar words below are separated across 3 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
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• 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 stagnate in committee for several months before finally coming to a vote."

Strongest
stagnate
Strong
linger
flounder
molder
rot
suffer

• 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 wither on the windowsill."

Strongest
wither
Strong
wilt
weaken
waste away
droop
flag
dwindle
deteriorate
fade
decline

• 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."

Strongest
pine
Strong
yearn
long
mope
brood
grieve

Opposites of languish

The opposite of languish shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:

thrive
flourish
advance
prosper
progress
blossom
rejoice
succeed
See all opposites of languish

• Nearby Words

languid
languidly
languidness
languish
languishing
languorously
langur

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Languish. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/languish
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