STOIC Synonyms: 149 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'stoic' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of stoic are apathetic , impassive , phlegmatic , and stolid . While all these words mean "unresponsive to something that might normally excite interest or emotion," stoic implies an apparent indifference to pleasure or especially to pain often as a matter of principle or self-discipline. // was resolutely stoic even in adversity

Q: When is it sensible to use 'apathetic' instead of 'stoic'?

The synonyms apathetic and stoic are sometimes interchangeable, but apathetic may imply a puzzling or deplorable indifference or inertness. // charitable appeals met an apathetic response

Q: When could 'impassive' be used to replace 'stoic'?

The words impassive and stoic are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, impassive stresses the absence of any external sign of emotion in action or facial expression. // met the news with an impassive look

Q: When can 'phlegmatic' be used instead of 'stoic'?

While in some cases nearly identical to stoic , phlegmatic implies a temperament or constitution hard to arouse. // a phlegmatic man unmoved by tears

Q: When would 'stolid' be a good substitute for 'stoic'?

While the synonyms stolid and stoic are close in meaning, stolid implies a habitual absence of interest, responsiveness, or curiosity. // stolid workers wedded to routine

stoic

adjective

ˈstō-ik

variants or stoical

Definition of stoic next

as in patient

accepting pains or hardships calmly or without complaint after waiting six years for permission to immigrate to the U.S., the family is stoic about a six-month postponement

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in numb

not feeling or showing emotion at her husband's funeral she remained stoic, and only a few imagined the depth of her grief

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word stoic distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of stoic are apathetic, impassive, phlegmatic, and stolid. While all these words mean "unresponsive to something that might normally excite interest or emotion," stoic implies an apparent indifference to pleasure or especially to pain often as a matter of principle or self-discipline.

was resolutely stoic even in adversity

When is it sensible to use apathetic instead of stoic?

The synonyms apathetic and stoic are sometimes interchangeable, but apathetic may imply a puzzling or deplorable indifference or inertness.

charitable appeals met an apathetic response

When could impassive be used to replace stoic?

The words impassive and stoic are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, impassive stresses the absence of any external sign of emotion in action or facial expression.

met the news with an impassive look

When can phlegmatic be used instead of stoic?

While in some cases nearly identical to stoic, phlegmatic implies a temperament or constitution hard to arouse.

a phlegmatic man unmoved by tears

When would stolid be a good substitute for stoic?

While the synonyms stolid and stoic are close in meaning, stolid implies a habitual absence of interest, responsiveness, or curiosity.

stolid workers wedded to routine

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 stoic On May 24, stoic Saturn will also enter Aries, forcing you to get serious and grounded in your routine over the course of the next two years. —

Roya Backlund, StyleCaster, 23 Dec. 2024 The heart wrenching film, based on a book by author Colleen Hoover, follows a flower shop owner named Lily Blossom Bloom (Lively), who falls in love with a dashing neurosurgeon named Ryle Kincaid (Baldoni) and reconnects with her stoic childhood sweetheart, Atlas Corrigan (Brandon Sklenar). —

Jay Stahl, USA TODAY, 21 Dec. 2024 While previous generations have tried to maintain a stoic approach to politics at work, younger generations have been loud and proud in expressing their desire for their work lives to coexist with reality. —

Tim Ryan, Newsweek, 18 Dec. 2024 Nakagawa, 39, is a Coast Guard commander: stoic, methodical, an engineer by trade. —

Erin Edwards, ProPublica, 13 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for stoic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stoic

Adjective

DoorDash customers are asked to be patient during winter and turn on their outdoor lights to help out the delivery drivers.

Renee Umsted, Charlotte Observer, 10 Jan. 2025
What still isn’t known Our research does not clarify whether the changes in dispensing patterns led to measurable changes in patient outcomes.

Ashley Bradford, The Conversation, 10 Jan. 2025