Synonyms of nonchalant

nonchalant

adjective

ˌnän-shə-ˈlänt 

as in casual

having or showing a lack of interest or concern

you shouldn't be so nonchalant about something that is so important to your parents

Synonyms & Similar Words

• casual
• careless
• insouciant
• unconcerned
• uninterested
• perfunctory
• detached
• disinterested
• stoic
• apathetic
• indifferent
• complacent
• calm
• incurious
• uncurious
• aloof
• cold
• numb
• unemotional
• pococurante
• insensible
• halfhearted
• callous
• dispassionate
• tepid
• stoical
• lukewarm
• remote
• insensitive
• phlegmatic
• cool
• impassive
• heedless
• unfeeling
• stolid
• lethargic
• listless
• mindless
• impervious
• unimpressed
• hard-hearted

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• interested
• concerned
• aware
• conscientious
• attentive
• mindful
• sensitive
• warm
• passionate
• zealous
• heedful
• fervent
• ardent
• caring
• keen
• warmhearted

Synonym Chooser

How is the word nonchalant different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of nonchalant are collected, composed, cool, imperturbable, and unruffled. While all these words mean "free from agitation or excitement," nonchalant stresses an easy coolness of manner or casualness that suggests indifference or unconcern.

a nonchalant driver

When could collected be used to replace nonchalant?

The words collected and nonchalant can be used in similar contexts, but collected implies a concentration of mind that eliminates distractions especially in moments of crisis.

the nurse stayed calm and collected

When might composed be a better fit than nonchalant?

While in some cases nearly identical to nonchalant, composed implies freedom from agitation as a result of self-discipline or a sedate disposition.

the composed pianist gave a flawless concert

When is it sensible to use cool instead of nonchalant?

The words cool and nonchalant are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, cool may imply calmness, deliberateness, or dispassionateness.

kept a cool head

Where would imperturbable be a reasonable alternative to nonchalant?

The meanings of imperturbable and nonchalant largely overlap; however, imperturbable implies coolness or assurance even under severe provocation.

the speaker remained imperturbable despite the heckling

In what contexts can unruffled take the place of nonchalant?

While the synonyms unruffled and nonchalant are close in meaning, unruffled suggests apparent serenity and poise in the face of setbacks or in the midst of excitement.

harried but unruffled

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of nonchalant

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

Still, her amicable disposition and nonchalant attitude reinforced the confessional tenor and straight-shooting candor of many of her songs. —Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 18 Jan. 2025

Louie’s nonchalant friend Murph (Alfie Gledhill), there to be part of a surprise, and Sam (Harley Wilson), Irene’s close friend who ignites Louie’s jealousy. —Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 10 Jan. 2025