DISINTERESTED Synonyms: 99 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'disinterested' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of disinterested are aloof , detached , incurious , indifferent , and unconcerned . While all these words mean "not showing or feeling interest," disinterested implies a circumstantial freedom from concern for personal or especially financial advantage that enables one to judge or advise without bias. // judged by a panel of disinterested observers

Q: When can 'aloof' be used instead of 'disinterested'?

The words aloof and disinterested are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, aloof suggests a cool reserve arising from a sense of superiority or disdain for inferiors or from shyness. // aloof from his coworkers

Q: When could 'detached' be used to replace 'disinterested'?

The words detached and disinterested can be used in similar contexts, but detached implies an objective attitude achieved through absence of prejudice or selfishness. // observed family gatherings with detached amusement

Q: When is 'incurious' a more appropriate choice than 'disinterested'?

In some situations, the words incurious and disinterested are roughly equivalent. However, incurious implies an inability to take a normal interest due to dullness of mind or to self-centeredness. // incurious about the world

Q: In what contexts can 'indifferent' take the place of 'disinterested'?

While the synonyms indifferent and disinterested are close in meaning, indifferent implies neutrality of attitude from lack of inclination, preference, or prejudice. // indifferent to the dictates of fashion

Q: When might 'unconcerned' be a better fit than 'disinterested'?

The synonyms unconcerned and disinterested are sometimes interchangeable, but unconcerned suggests a lack of sensitivity or regard for others' needs or troubles. // unconcerned about the homeless

disinterested

adjective

(ˌ)dis-ˈin-trə-stəd

Definition of disinterested next

as in nonchalant

having or showing a lack of interest or concern the city's philistines, naturally disinterested in art, voted to cut the museum's budget

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in impartial

marked by justice, honesty, and freedom from bias a judge who is widely respected for his disinterested decisions

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective disinterested contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of disinterested are aloof, detached, incurious, indifferent, and unconcerned. While all these words mean "not showing or feeling interest," disinterested implies a circumstantial freedom from concern for personal or especially financial advantage that enables one to judge or advise without bias.

judged by a panel of disinterested observers

When can aloof be used instead of disinterested?

The words aloof and disinterested are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, aloof suggests a cool reserve arising from a sense of superiority or disdain for inferiors or from shyness.

aloof from his coworkers

When could detached be used to replace disinterested?

The words detached and disinterested can be used in similar contexts, but detached implies an objective attitude achieved through absence of prejudice or selfishness.

observed family gatherings with detached amusement

When is incurious a more appropriate choice than disinterested?

In some situations, the words incurious and disinterested are roughly equivalent. However, incurious implies an inability to take a normal interest due to dullness of mind or to self-centeredness.

incurious about the world

In what contexts can indifferent take the place of disinterested?

While the synonyms indifferent and disinterested are close in meaning, indifferent implies neutrality of attitude from lack of inclination, preference, or prejudice.

indifferent to the dictates of fashion

When might unconcerned be a better fit than disinterested?

The synonyms unconcerned and disinterested are sometimes interchangeable, but unconcerned suggests a lack of sensitivity or regard for others' needs or troubles.

unconcerned about the homeless

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 disinterested From the interviewer’s perspective, a candidate with no questions can come across as disinterested, unprepared, or—worse—unimaginative. —

Benjamin Laker, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025 In 2019, the Ukrainian parliament enshrined Ukraine’s geopolitical preference for the EU and NATO in the constitution, but a significant minority of Ukrainian citizens, mostly in the east and south, remained disinterested in further integration with the West. —

Anton Grushetskyi, Foreign Affairs, 30 Dec. 2024 Often, a less qualified candidate who displays high energy and eagerness can outshine a more qualified individual who appears disinterested and uncommunicative. —

Jack Kelly, Forbes, 25 Nov. 2024 If the answer is not the same as your needs, then reevaluate your VC’s counsel with that in mind and do not blindly accept their advice as if this was a conversation with an objective, disinterested advisor. —

Jothy Rosenberg, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for disinterested

Recent Examples of Synonyms for disinterested

Adjective

But Trump is nonchalant about the grave risks the men face as a direct result of their service to him.

— Steve Chapman, Chicago Tribune, 6 Feb. 2025
Almost every time, Clean Slate chooses swift and even nonchalant acceptance.

— Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 6 Feb. 2025