APATHETIC Synonyms: 125 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of apathetic are impassive , phlegmatic , stoic , and stolid . While all these words mean "unresponsive to something that might normally excite interest or emotion," apathetic may imply a puzzling or deplorable indifference or inertness. // charitable appeals met an apathetic response

Q: Where would 'impassive' be a reasonable alternative to 'apathetic'?

The meanings of impassive and apathetic largely overlap; however, 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 'apathetic'?

In some situations, the words phlegmatic and apathetic are roughly equivalent. However, phlegmatic implies a temperament or constitution hard to arouse. // a phlegmatic man unmoved by tears

Q: When might 'stoic' be a better fit than 'apathetic'?

The words stoic and apathetic are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 'stolid' a more appropriate choice than 'apathetic'?

The words stolid and apathetic can be used in similar contexts, but stolid implies a habitual absence of interest, responsiveness, or curiosity. // stolid workers wedded to routine

apathetic

adjective

ˌa-pə-ˈthe-tik

Definition of apathetic next

as in nonchalant

having or showing a lack of interest or concern people of conscience cannot be apathetic about the great suffering in this world

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in stoic

not feeling or showing emotion gave nothing more than an apathetic gaze to his interrogators

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word apathetic distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of apathetic are impassive, phlegmatic, stoic, and stolid. While all these words mean "unresponsive to something that might normally excite interest or emotion," apathetic may imply a puzzling or deplorable indifference or inertness.

charitable appeals met an apathetic response

Where would impassive be a reasonable alternative to apathetic?

The meanings of impassive and apathetic largely overlap; however, 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 apathetic?

In some situations, the words phlegmatic and apathetic are roughly equivalent. However, phlegmatic implies a temperament or constitution hard to arouse.

a phlegmatic man unmoved by tears

When might stoic be a better fit than apathetic?

The words stoic and apathetic are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 stolid a more appropriate choice than apathetic?

The words stolid and apathetic can be used in similar contexts, but stolid implies a habitual absence of interest, responsiveness, or curiosity.

stolid workers wedded to routine

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 apathetic The performance of such duties was accorded a measure of reverence even as guards were often cast as apathetic or incompetent. —

Jasper Craven, Harper's Magazine, 23 July 2024 Analysts say that the candidates’ lackluster campaigns failed to entice apathetic young people and generated unusual levels of voter indecision. —

Nayara Batschke, Los Angeles Times, 25 Nov. 2024 While failing to entice apathetic young voters and generating extraordinary indecision, Uruguay's lackluster electoral campaigns steered clear of the anti-establishment fury that has vaulted populist outsiders to power elsewhere in the world, like in the United States and neighboring Argentina. —

Nayara Batschke The Associated Press, arkansasonline.com, 25 Nov. 2024 That formerly apathetic group paid off well for Trump in his previous campaigns. —

Clarence Page, Chicago Tribune, 17 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for apathetic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for apathetic

Adjective

Boone recalled this week Ichiro’s nonchalant response, which left Danley with more questions than answers.

— Chad Jennings, The Athletic, 22 Jan. 2025
Kraft struggled with both physical and mental difficulties throughout his life, and his nonchalant attitude toward money often made his life difficult.

— Patrick Salland, Kansas City Star, 20 Jan. 2025