as in inertia
an inclination not to do work or engage in activities
a general feeling of indolence usually overtakes them during summer vacation
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 indolence
The idea of Irish indolence fused with a quasi-religious faith in the laws of the market to shape the British response to the famine.
—
Fintan O'Toole, The New Yorker, 10 Mar. 2025
The government insisted that the corn be sold rather than given away (free food would merely reinforce Irish indolence), and those who received it had little idea at first how to cook it.
—Fintan O'Toole, The New Yorker, 10 Mar. 2025
African clergy are distinctly firmer than those in the West, perhaps a consequence of the social turmoil on their continent compared to the indolence of Europe and North America.
—Timothy Nerozzi, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 28 Feb. 2025
After indulging Sofia’s indolence for the better part of its running time, the movie suddenly supports her newfound sense of independence.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 14 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for indolence
Fintan O'Toole, The New Yorker, 10 Mar. 2025
The government insisted that the corn be sold rather than given away (free food would merely reinforce Irish indolence), and those who received it had little idea at first how to cook it.
—Fintan O'Toole, The New Yorker, 10 Mar. 2025
African clergy are distinctly firmer than those in the West, perhaps a consequence of the social turmoil on their continent compared to the indolence of Europe and North America.
—Timothy Nerozzi, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 28 Feb. 2025
After indulging Sofia’s indolence for the better part of its running time, the movie suddenly supports her newfound sense of independence.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 14 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for indolence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for indolence
inertia
Noun
-
Changes to the workflow, organizational structure and practices are almost always resisted at first, and focusing on the competitive advantage alone may not be sufficient to overcome the adoption resistance inertia.—
Vibhu Sharma,
Forbes.com,
19 Aug. 2025
-
Turbulent, yet stuck in a state of inertia, fighting off possible sanctions and regression on the pitch.—
Jacob Tanswell,
New York Times,
18 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Indolence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/indolence. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share