INDIFFERENT Synonyms: 183 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

indifferent

adjective

in-ˈdi-f(ə-)rənt

Definition of indifferent next

as in nonchalant

having or showing a lack of interest or concern indifferent about the result of the football game

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in satisfactory

of average to below average quality an indifferent but drinkable cup of coffee

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in impartial

marked by justice, honesty, and freedom from bias they believed their art teacher could offer an indifferent judgment on their works' merits

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 The Pacific stretched out before us, vast and indifferent. —

Lauren Colella, Los Angeles Times, 6 Dec. 2024 Vermont’s small congressional delegation has, collectively, proven among the most indifferent to Israel’s national security needs for a defensive war against Palestinian terrorism. —

Mike Wagenheim, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 29 Nov. 2024 Yet, despite this strong message from voters, state leaders appear largely indifferent to these concerns. —

Kelly Seyarto, Orange County Register, 18 Nov. 2024 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 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