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 of stoic in a Sentence

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Recent Examples on the Web Though Asian fathers are often stereotyped as cold, stoic and unmoving, Ling is seen leaning on his children, even calling his daughter Sophia to express his excitement over having attended his first prom. —

Kimmy Yam, NBC News, 4 Oct. 2024 The flinty Lee remains stoic, speaking through her work, drowning her emotions in booze and pills. —

Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 26 Sep. 2024 They’re joined by Peterman as clueless bartender Gabby, Rex Linn as stoic chef Emmett, Pablo Castelblanco as finicky accountant Steve and Tokala Black Elk as cheerful handyman Takoda. —

Dave Nemetz, TVLine, 18 Oct. 2024 The church firmly stands as a refuge for Black worship, bending the stoic frameworks of Western faith to accommodate traditional African spiritual beliefs. —

Essence, 10 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for stoic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stoic

Adjective

The characters’ arcs are so patient, and its rhythms really do feel like the rhythms of real life.

Judy Berman, TIME, 23 Oct. 2024
In speeches Monday, Fed officials urged a patient approach to future interest rate cuts.

Jim Cramer, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2024