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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

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 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
  • 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
Adjective
  • But the federal investigation was not satisfactory to many of King’s family members and associates, who knew of the FBI’s years-long investigation of the minister, and Director J. Edgar Hoover’s obsession with him as a potential communist influence.
    Andy Rose, CNN, 25 Jan. 2025
  • By applying enough pressure now, the thinking goes, Ukraine and its backers can enter talks from a favorable position, and Russian President Vladimir Putin will be forced to engage in good-faith negotiations that end in a satisfactory settlement.
    Alexandra Prokopenko, Foreign Affairs, 21 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The complaint says those actions have caused Combs economic and reputational harm, as well as tainted his right to a fair trial with an impartial jury.
    Charmaine Patterson, People.com, 23 Jan. 2025
  • Far from being an impartial steward of monetary policy, the Fed has routinely prioritized deficit spending and economic stimulus over sound money principles.
    Dave Birnbaum, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Columbia Women’s Ice Maiden II Boots Shopping for casual snow days?
    Genevieve Cepeda, Travel + Leisure, 26 Jan. 2025
  • Not as a character so much as a reference point in casual dialogue.
    Glynnis MacNicol, Rolling Stone, 26 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Housing is impacting everyone, even those who are making a decent wage.
    Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 18 Jan. 2025
  • The game also features a non-linear narrative, giving you missions for four distinct factions — not unlike Outlaws —and each one has its own vision for humanity’s future, ultimately deciding on the story’s fate, meaning there’s probably a decent chance there’s plenty of replayability.
    Matt Gardner, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Without equitable access, women were not able to fully participate in life outside the home.
    The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 22 Jan. 2025
  • Leaders must prioritize governance frameworks that ensure AI systems are ethical, equitable, and transparent.
    Scott Hutcheson, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • All of that would be contingent upon Ehlers being uninterested in signing.
    Murat Ates, The Athletic, 20 Jan. 2025
  • Investors in global stock markets are equally uninterested in Chinese internet firms.
    Li Yuan, New York Times, 20 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Entertainment gossip and news from Newsweek's network of contributors For anyone seeking a sophisticated escape from the ordinary, Las Vegas is about to offer a new level of daytime luxury.
    Justin Gest, Newsweek, 21 Jan. 2025
  • To qualify, these expenses must be ordinary (common in your trade) and necessary (helpful for operations).
    Tiffany Grant, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near indifferent

Cite this Entry

“Indifferent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/indifferent. Accessed 31 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on indifferent

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