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Synonym Chooser

How is the word apathetic distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of apathetic are impassive, phlegmatic, stoic, and stolid. While all these words mean "unresponsive to something that might normally excite interest or emotion," apathetic may imply a puzzling or deplorable indifference or inertness.

charitable appeals met an apathetic response

Where would impassive be a reasonable alternative to apathetic?

The meanings of impassive and apathetic largely overlap; however, impassive stresses the absence of any external sign of emotion in action or facial expression.

met the news with an impassive look

When can phlegmatic be used instead of apathetic?

In some situations, the words phlegmatic and apathetic are roughly equivalent. However, phlegmatic implies a temperament or constitution hard to arouse.

a phlegmatic man unmoved by tears

When might stoic be a better fit than apathetic?

The words stoic and apathetic are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, stoic implies an apparent indifference to pleasure or especially to pain often as a matter of principle or self-discipline.

was resolutely stoic even in adversity

When is stolid a more appropriate choice than apathetic?

The words stolid and apathetic can be used in similar contexts, but stolid implies a habitual absence of interest, responsiveness, or curiosity.

stolid workers wedded to routine

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 apathetic These kinds of policies cultivate students who rely on their schools to shield them from the natural consequences of their poor choices, and enable apathetic, unmotivated students to remain apathetic and unmotivated. Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 27 Feb. 2025 And because plenty of teens are apathetic about school, many parents and teachers are willing to give those kids a pass. Jenny Anderson, The Atlantic, 26 Feb. 2025 The senior adviser to general manager Adam Peters met Daniels in 2019, which was around the time Washington’s fan base went from angry to apathetic. Ben Standig, The Athletic, 16 Jan. 2025 The issue extends to Mio, too, whose quips or poorly timed retorts to Zoe’s dialogue don’t really align with her generally apathetic persona. Kyle Wilson, Rolling Stone, 4 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for apathetic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apathetic
Adjective
  • Their dominance was complete and almost nonchalant.
    Michael Walker, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Sure, your cat may look rather nonchalant about it.
    Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • His dad was a stiff-upper-lip kind of guy, and Clint became known as the stoic kid with the sleepy brown eyes.
    Jenni Carlson, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Sidhwa, a stoic man with short hair, woke up when the pressure wave from an explosion blew the door open.
    Clayton Dalton, New Yorker, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The Retreat Linen Top and matching Mid-rise Shorts, both over 40 percent off, can be styled together for a polished resort outfit or worn separately with basics for casual, everyday wear.
    Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 20 Apr. 2025
  • As the Sunday evening set’s start time lingered over his head, Junior H traded his casual, pink jersey for an all-white outfit that would contrast his band’s all-black attire.
    Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 19 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Confused and clearly uninterested, Benson shut his advances down — but not before Stabler temporarily came to and took a clear side in the brisket conversation.
    Alex Ross, People.com, 18 Apr. 2025
  • My best guess for why HBO is airing it second is that most people hearing the subject will either be uninterested or know the details already, in which case: Why bother?
    Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 15 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Apathetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apathetic. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on apathetic

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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