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Synonym Chooser

How is the word impassive distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of impassive are apathetic, phlegmatic, stoic, and stolid. While all these words mean "unresponsive to something that might normally excite interest or emotion," impassive stresses the absence of any external sign of emotion in action or facial expression.

met the news with an impassive look

When is apathetic a more appropriate choice than impassive?

The synonyms apathetic and impassive are sometimes interchangeable, but apathetic may imply a puzzling or deplorable indifference or inertness.

charitable appeals met an apathetic response

When is it sensible to use phlegmatic instead of impassive?

Although the words phlegmatic and impassive have much in common, phlegmatic implies a temperament or constitution hard to arouse.

a phlegmatic man unmoved by tears

Where would stoic be a reasonable alternative to impassive?

The words stoic and impassive 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 could stolid be used to replace impassive?

The words stolid and impassive 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 impassive Taveras places his left hand near his heart, but remains impassive. Carol Marbin Miller, Miami Herald, 2 Jan. 2025 As for the Bruckner, the Berliners succeeded in animating a figure who is too often treated as an impassive statue. Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 9 Dec. 2024 Navigating the new era of AI innovation While Keith Davidson faces ongoing questioning, former president Donald Trump is largely an impassive figure in... Washington Post, 25 May 2024 Our first Killarney run combined the fervent greenness of the previous day with the impassive steepness of our earlier outings. Alexandra Kleeman, Travel + Leisure, 17 Oct. 2024 See All Example Sentences for impassive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impassive
Adjective
  • And Susie Cullen’s production design turns typical markers of a fine-dining environment — windowless bathroom stalls; orange mood lighting; a stoic staff — into elements of a garish nightmare.
    Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Mar. 2025
  • The track cover shows a throwback photo of a relatively makeup-free Parton, grinning with her arms around Dean, who dons a white T-shirt and stoic pose.
    Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 7 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Don’t let anyone persuade you to lie on a form or sign a blank form.
    Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 21 Mar. 2025
  • For me, a blank March Madness bracket has always felt like a world of possibility contained in one 8.5x11 inch piece of paper.
    Jamie Harrow, People.com, 20 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Subjects were shown pictures of two expressionless male faces over and over.
    Elizabeth Preston, Discover Magazine, 11 Sep. 2012
  • Bale ran to the corner of the pitch, and, having been an expressionless bystander for much of the evening, shouted in ecstasy.
    Hua Hsu, The New Yorker, 21 Nov. 2022
Adjective
  • Newsletter Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news Black holes are enigmatic yet simplistic astronomical forces at the center of science fiction and scientific discovery alike.
    Madison Dapcevich, Discover Magazine, 21 Mar. 2025
  • And navigating it all with an enigmatic effervescence was Paige Davis.
    EW Staff Published, EW.com, 20 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Impassive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impassive. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on impassive

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