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

Examples 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 This was the Parisian way to do the Olympic opening ceremonies, equal parts proud and disinterested. —

Dana O'Neil, The Athletic, 26 July 2024 Kate often seems like a spin on C.J. Cregg, Janney’s character on The West Wing — assertive, witty, disinterested in fashion — and so the series casting Janney to play a foil for Kate felt inevitable. —

Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 1 Nov. 2024 To qualify for the business judgment rule, a company must meet the two MFW conditions: a wholly independent special committee and approval by a majority of disinterested stockholders. —

Priya Cherian Huskins, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024 The special committee, composed of independent and disinterested directors, was formed in response to interest expressed by Erik and Pete Nordstrom earlier this year in exploring a possible transaction. —

David Moin, WWD, 4 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for disinterested

Recent Examples of Synonyms for disinterested

Adjective

Louie’s nonchalant friend Murph (Alfie Gledhill), there to be part of a surprise, and Sam (Harley Wilson), Irene’s close friend who ignites Louie’s jealousy.

Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 10 Jan. 2025
Video of the nonchalant greeting quickly circulated on the internet as new apparent evidence of the first families' comfort around one another.

Bailey Richards, People.com, 9 Jan. 2025