1
as in numbness
a lack of emotion or emotional expressiveness
the apathy of the people of that war-torn country comes from their having seen too many horrors
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in disregard
lack of interest or concern
her poor grades are proof enough of her apathy concerning all matters academic
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of apathy
Only with the failure of the expedition of the Bandiera brothers to Calabria in 1844 was the bankruptcy of this method in the face of popular apathy at last fully realized.
—
Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 12 Mar. 2026
After decades of apathy--which has pushed the nation to a fiscal precipice--some officials are now reaching across the aisle to propose solutions.
—Arkansas Online, 2 Mar. 2026
The vision, centered on spreading the gospel to others, comes at a moment when church apathy and disaffiliation is on the rise across the nation, Martin said.
—Briah Lumpkins, Charlotte Observer, 26 Feb. 2026
By late March, challenging planets could bring on some brief depression or apathy.
—Magi Helena, Dallas Morning News, 25 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for apathy
Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 12 Mar. 2026
After decades of apathy--which has pushed the nation to a fiscal precipice--some officials are now reaching across the aisle to propose solutions.
—Arkansas Online, 2 Mar. 2026
The vision, centered on spreading the gospel to others, comes at a moment when church apathy and disaffiliation is on the rise across the nation, Martin said.
—Briah Lumpkins, Charlotte Observer, 26 Feb. 2026
By late March, challenging planets could bring on some brief depression or apathy.
—Magi Helena, Dallas Morning News, 25 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for apathy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apathy
Noun
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The numbness remained even when he was told that his daughter’s condition would likely improve with a stem cell transplant—his fear of a terminal diagnosis could be assuaged.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
1 Apr. 2026
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If not treated early, the infection can progress to more serious symptoms, such as joint swelling and arthritis, nerve pain, tingling or numbness, facial muscle weakness, heart inflammation and difficulties with memory or concentration.—
Emily Bache,
The Conversation,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Cronin, the plaintiff’s attorney, said in an interview that Abbott showed disregard for the health and safety of premature babies participating in the AL16 clinical trial.—
David Hilzenrath,
USA Today,
29 Mar. 2026
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On this first point, the jury ruled in favor of both Marta and Marija, finding that Goodenbour had either intended to cause the twins harm or had acted with reckless disregard for their well-being.—
Julia Haney,
NPR,
28 Mar. 2026
Noun
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This moment was a turning point for him — despite his past indifference toward settling down, fatherhood changed him completely.—
Jane LaCroix,
PEOPLE,
31 Mar. 2026
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Would a cyberattack that kills people finally shake us out of our indifference?—
Neil J. Rubenking,
PC Magazine,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Over time, this creates a sense of emptiness, a lack of purpose and significance.—
Arthur C. Brooks
March 22,
CBS News,
22 Mar. 2026
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The tens of thousands of conference attendees who surged into downtown San Jose this week provided a stark contrast to the typical daytime emptiness, and highlighted the otherwise sluggish recovery of the city’s economically vital conference and convention business.—
Ethan Baron,
Mercury News,
21 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Smelling of rotting grapes, the phlegm is musty and acetone-tinged, like a decanter of red wine forgotten in a dark kitchen corner after a dinner party, left to turn into vinegar.—
Courtney Crowder,
Des Moines Register,
15 Mar. 2026
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Psychological treatment for anxiety and increased masking in public are in many cases sufficient to treat this unfortunate buildup of phlegm and embarrassment.—
Alexis Wilkinson,
New Yorker,
2 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Apathy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apathy. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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