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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

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 indifferent Bean and Smith were acquitted of civil rights charges of using excessive force and being indifferent to Nichols’ serious injuries. Adrian Sainz and Jonathan Mattise, Los Angeles Times, 5 Dec. 2024 This includes going from feeling very happy, irritable, with a marked increase in activity level (mania), to feeling sad, indifferent, or hopeless with very low activity levels (depression). New Atlas, 30 Nov. 2024 Had Nelson and Smith Rowe not departed for Craven Cottage this summer, Arsenal’s injury problems and indifferent start to the season could have opened the door for more minutes at the Emirates Stadium. Elias Burke, The Athletic, 20 Nov. 2024 This perception can lead them to view their partner as dismissive or indifferent. Mark Travers, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for indifferent 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for indifferent
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
Adjective
  • This side hustle is beneficial in so many ways, not only in benefiting the organization if your pick is selected, but in reducing unemployment, which is such a satisfactory feeling.
    Rachel Wells, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025
  • The facility received satisfactory marks during its annual audit, according to the sheriff’s office.
    Clifford Ward, Chicago Tribune, 3 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • In a statement released Monday, both parties claimed that Biden influenced the decision of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S., or CFIUS, which evaluates foreign investments for potential national security threats, and breached the companies’ right to an impartial review.
    Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 7 Jan. 2025
  • Randy Grice, the former chair of the now-defunct North Miami Citizens Investigative Board, said his board had fulfilled an important function in the community: giving residents an impartial way to review uncomfortable encounters with law enforcement.
    Matthew Cupelli, Sun Sentinel, 6 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Locals recommend calling the restaurant in advance to check their availability, as the ultra-cozy, casual joint fills up quickly.
    Kayleigh Ruller, Charlotte Observer, 14 Jan. 2025
  • Known for her approachable and casual style, Swift has also been known to hit the recording studio or meet up with friends in NYC in denim skirts, cutout off shorts and bib-front denim dresses.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 10 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The game also features a non-linear narrative, giving you missions for four distinct factions — not unlike Outlaws —and each one has its own vision for humanity’s future, ultimately deciding on the story’s fate, meaning there’s probably a decent chance there’s plenty of replayability.
    Matt Gardner, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025
  • Housing is impacting everyone, even those who are making a decent wage.
    Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 18 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Pay Transparency Laws Pay transparency laws require employers to disclose salary ranges and, in some cases, benefits to create equitable pay practices.
    Alonzo Martinez, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
  • Toward Environmental Justice: Key Concepts Environmental justice results from the equitable distribution of environmental benefits and harms through the restructuring of systems of oppression.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 8 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Organizations offering more flexibility can attract top talent who are uninterested in rigid RTO policies.
    William Arruda, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025
  • Democrats seem uninterested in bailing out Johnson — and by extension, Trump, on must-pass bills that can't get by the Freedom Caucus.
    Justin Green, Axios, 3 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Chris Pratt stars as an ordinary LEGO guy who finds himself on an extraordinary journey in a film that’s really about the power of the imagination, distilling the creative joy of playing with LEGOs into a captivating story.
    Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 8 Jan. 2025
  • Many civilians – ordinary people who weren’t fighting in the war – died, and whole cities were destroyed.
    Hurst Hannum, The Conversation, 6 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near indifferent

Cite this Entry

“Indifferent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/indifferent. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.

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