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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective indifferent contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of indifferent are aloof, detached, disinterested, incurious, and unconcerned. While all these words mean "not showing or feeling interest," indifferent implies neutrality of attitude from lack of inclination, preference, or prejudice.

indifferent to the dictates of fashion

In what contexts can aloof take the place of indifferent?

Although the words aloof and indifferent have much in common, 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 indifferent?

The synonyms detached and indifferent are sometimes interchangeable, but detached implies an objective attitude achieved through absence of prejudice or selfishness.

observed family gatherings with detached amusement

When can disinterested be used instead of indifferent?

The words disinterested and indifferent can be used in similar contexts, but 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 is it sensible to use incurious instead of indifferent?

While the synonyms incurious and indifferent are close in meaning, incurious implies an inability to take a normal interest due to dullness of mind or to self-centeredness.

incurious about the world

When might unconcerned be a better fit than indifferent?

In some situations, the words unconcerned and indifferent are roughly equivalent. However, 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 indifferent That follows Butler’s previous seven-game unpaid team suspension that ended three games ago, with three largely indifferent efforts during those outings. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 22 Jan. 2025 The bakery’s current owner officially bought Subway last year and those franchise owners were indifferent toward new $6,000 deli slicers. Ramishah Maruf, CNN, 20 Jan. 2025 The trend, which has quickly gone viral, showcases the hilariously indifferent, confused or downright savage reactions brothers have when faced with unsolicited updates from their siblings. Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025 According to the poster, the woman's family members appeared indifferent or embarrassed by the spectacle. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for indifferent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for indifferent
Adjective
  • Other users weighed in with a more nonchalant mindset.
    Arabella Hau, People.com, 16 Feb. 2025
  • His distinctive nonchalant California glam aesthetic has evolved in his properties throughout the West Coast.
    Sofia Celeste, WWD, 11 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Bowman may want to make a call if the organization feels the current group of veterans doesn’t provide enough satisfactory options for the skill lines.
    Allan Mitchell, The Athletic, 12 Feb. 2025
  • His messages online sound all too typical of the brash and bratty computer techies who seem to think insults are satisfactory entertainment for their followers.
    Clarence Page, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The federal courts must push back to protect the application of impartial justice.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 16 Feb. 2025
  • Civil rights groups on Friday urged Trump to appoint an impartial leader to head the nation's largest statistical agency, while some fellow researchers said Santos' decision was a sad one for the future of the U.S. Census.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 31 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Very family friendly, one of the Montage signatures is Daly’s Rec and Pub, a casual bar eatery with kid friendly menus like brick oven pizza and specialty sodas, plus vintage arcade games and a full-sized multi-lane bowling alley.
    Larry Olmsted, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025
  • Uniform options include business formal, business casual and tactical casual.
    Mia Galuppo, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The Mets can afford to value offense at the corners and still be at least a decent defensive team because their defense up the middle — at shortstop, second base and center field — projects to be above average.
    Will Sammon, The Athletic, 23 Feb. 2025
  • The webcam records in 1080p resolution—anything less would be disappointing for the price—and delivers clear video quality with decent lighting balance in my tests.
    Matthew Buzzi, PCMAG, 22 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The new law aims to align expropriation with South Africa's constitutional mandate to ensure equitable access to land.
    Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 14 Feb. 2025
  • Florida is an equitable distribution state, which typically means couples split assets equally in a divorce.
    Kerry A. Dolan, Forbes, 14 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • One striking insight emerged from these talks: the main reason for Beijing’s seeming unwillingness to build a trilateral coalition with Russia and North Korea is that such an arrangement would call for strategic leadership by China, and Beijing is decidedly uninterested in such a prospect.
    Sergey Radchenko, Foreign Affairs, 18 Feb. 2025
  • The experience left him disheartened and uninterested in working on the project altogether.
    Brent N. Reed, Steven G. Rogelberg, Harvard Business Review, 12 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Elsewhere, the Juno Fan Choice category, voted on by ordinary movie lovers, has nominations for The Weeknd, McCrae, Mendes, Ross, bbno$, Dean Brody, Jade Eagleson, Karan Aujla, Les Cowboys Fringents Les Disques and Preston Pablo.
    Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Feb. 2025
  • At Large follows two best friends, Bill and Joe, who are ordinary dads and electrical repairmen.
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 11 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Indifferent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/indifferent. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.

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