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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

Examples of indifferent in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web While Haley was found guilty on all counts, the jury found that the first two counts, using excessive force and being deliberately indifferent to Nichols' medical needs, resulted in injury not death and convicted him on lesser charges. Taylor Wilson, USA TODAY, 4 Oct. 2024 Those who oppose the war, the Kremlin can more easily argue, are indifferent to the integrity of the country’s borders and the lives of Russian citizens. Michael Kimmage, Foreign Affairs, 18 Sep. 2024 Throughout the record, scorn is directed at specific targets—the rich, the bigots, those criminally indifferent to the AIDS crisis, the perpetrators of the Holocaust—but overall, this is an After Times document. Stephen Metcalf, The Atlantic, 17 Sep. 2024 Instead, McNaughton and co-screenwriter Richard Fire gave their financiers and audiences the real deal, an unblinking stare into the heart of indifferent evil that was truly, unforgettably terrifying. Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 17 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for indifferent 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'indifferent.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Thesaurus Entries Near indifferent

Cite this Entry

“Indifferent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/indifferent. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on indifferent

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