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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 Some reported feeling more apathetic rather than angry at Spurs’ past two home games: a 6-3 defeat by Liverpool just before Christmas that should have been even more lop-sided and Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers where Spurs conceded an 87th-minute equaliser. Jack Pitt-Brooke, The Athletic, 2 Jan. 2025 Failing To Be Inclusive Failing to be inclusive when seeking unique ideas and skills leads to an apathetic and frustrated team. Expert Panel®, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025 Nothing except a white man who willingly admits being apathetic to Black people’s lives and two other white folks who joke around about politics being too serious and divisive. Melanie Curry, refinery29.com, 17 Feb. 2025 There will be another 15 minutes of football played — a third of a half of football — but those leaving have no desire to watch anymore of what could fairly be described as apathetic bilge. Tim Spiers, The Athletic, 16 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for apathetic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apathetic
Adjective
  • The nonchalant nature of the talking stage can also shield individuals from rejection.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Among the many characters in the mural are: a gray cat perched in a tree; a white-and-black dog digging excitedly in the grass; a nonchalant orange cat lounging without a care; a dachshund mid-chase after a ball; and a black cat leaping into the air, back arched in dramatic flair.
    Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Only at the end of the second episode does the stoic fixer allow himself to be unleashed.
    Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Jack Schumacher’s Yancy Grey, who can be seen later on in the trailer risking it all for a rodeo ride, asks Cap Fuller (James Brolin) about the stoic Staten.
    Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Pair it with sandals and sneakers for a casual outing, or zhuzh it up with wedges or flats for a more formal occasion.
    Clara McMahon, People.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • As dating moves from casual texts to deeper emotional investment, people begin to ask themselves important internal questions, often without realizing it.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Most students arrive uninterested and even annoyed at having to take a class outside their major.
    The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 25 Mar. 2025
  • Of course, some people may be uninterested in engagement and want only to promote a single viewpoint.
    Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Apathetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apathetic. Accessed 12 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on apathetic

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