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 For many foreigners, Finns have a reputation for being stoic, serious, and taciturn. —

Brett Braley, Robb Report, 27 Nov. 2024 Stepping off a private jet, Martian appears stoic and unmoved. —

Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 25 Nov. 2024 The story revolves around an emerging conflict between the stoic utopian city of Piltover and the oppressed underworld of Zaun. —

Diego Argüello, Rolling Stone, 22 Nov. 2024 These are all figures that could again accompany a stoic Henry on the jumbotron. —

Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 3 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for stoic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stoic

Adjective

Forecasted drug and device performance across patient populations for appropriate treatment and care.

Premier Contributor, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
In some cases examined by The Marshall Project, doctors and social workers did not review patient medications to find the cause of a positive test.

Shoshana Walter, USA TODAY, 11 Dec. 2024