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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 But what if the U.S. is not only unsupportive or neutral or indifferent but hostile? Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 3 Mar. 2025 Chamberlain of the Republican Main Street Partnership noted that Musk could be indifferent to public perception. Mabinty Quarshie, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 25 Feb. 2025 Detachment or numbness—Becoming indifferent to employees’ concerns or struggling to express care. Cheryl Robinson, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025 Trump was indifferent or outright hostile to many Big Tech companies in his first term and most of his campaign. Axios, 13 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for indifferent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for indifferent
Adjective
  • There’s a certain undone sophistication in my work—think bourgeois meets grunge, or couture sensibility with a nonchalant attitude.
    Felicity Carter, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
  • Hinged on nonchalant tailoring with whiffs of countryside chic, the fall 2025 collection codesigned by the husband-and-wife duo debuts Wednesday during Milan Fashion Week.
    Martino Carrera, WWD, 25 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • While the overall atmosphere and design of the restaurant are aesthetically pleasing, the menu is just as satisfactory.
    Lydia Mansel, Southern Living, 25 Feb. 2025
  • All factors add up to the simple fact that Pereira has no satisfactory understudy for Strand Larsen.
    Steve Madeley, The Athletic, 20 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Maine’s governor never believed her state would receive an impartial investigation.
    Jennifer Smith Richards, ProPublica, 11 Mar. 2025
  • There was no sign of keeping things impartial for Shah, who as the ICC chief is meant to be independent and act without bias.
    Tristan Lavalette, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Another element she’s borrowed from Prince is a sense of casual virtuosity.
    Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Rolling Stone, 15 Mar. 2025
  • Compensatory picks, while typically lower rounds are definitely underrated by the casual fan.
    Mark Davis, Newsweek, 15 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • In practice, this means ensuring your audio is clear and the video quality and lighting are good, having a decent background, finding decent actors, and editing the video for clarity and conciseness.
    Jason Hennessey, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025
  • Virginia and Begovic are competent, low-cost reserves and provide decent support to Pickford.
    Patrick Boyland, The Athletic, 19 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The department is designed to ensure equitable access to quality education nationwide and enforces protections for students with disabilities, Its dismantling could be more costly for Trump-voting states than blue states, Axios' April Rubin has reported.
    Axios, Axios, 22 Mar. 2025
  • McCourt proposes a more equitable arrangement, allowing creators to carry their followers seamlessly from platform to platform instead.
    Esat Dedezade, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • According to Crombie, Bong was uninterested in the logic of gravity and who was flying the ship.
    Abigail Lee, Variety, 14 Mar. 2025
  • These dissenters, who have been the scant liberal signs of life, are clearly uninterested in Carville’s play-dead strategy.
    Jay Caspian Kang, The New Yorker, 28 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Gains realized on investments sold within a one-year holding period are classified as short-term capital gains, which are taxed at your ordinary income tax rate.
    True Tamplin, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
  • What would push an ordinary person to these extraordinary circumstances?
    JD Barker, Rolling Stone, 21 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Indifferent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/indifferent. Accessed 30 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on indifferent

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