Synonyms of indolent

indolent

adjective

ˈin-də-lənt 

as in lazy

not easily aroused to action or work

an indolent boy who had to be forced to help out with the chores

Synonyms & Similar Words

• lazy
• idle
• slothful
• sleepy
• shiftless
• dull
• apathetic
• quiescent
• lethargic
• listless
• torpid
• languorous
• sluggish
• inert
• drowsy
• supine
• lazyish

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• industrious
• ambitious
• zealous
• diligent
• enterprising
• active
• vigorous
• energetic
• exuberant
• spirited
• dynamic
• vivacious
• lively
• sprightly
• brisk
• perky
• frisky
• animated
• pert
• jaunty
• snappy
• springy
• bouncing
• jazzy
• peppy
• zippy

Synonym Chooser

How is the word indolent distinct from other similar adjectives?

The words lazy and slothful are common synonyms of indolent. While all three words mean "not easily aroused to activity," indolent suggests a love of ease and a dislike of movement or activity.

the heat made us indolent

Where would lazy be a reasonable alternative to indolent?

While in some cases nearly identical to indolent, lazy suggests a disinclination to work or to take trouble.

take-out foods for lazy cooks

When could slothful be used to replace indolent?

The words slothful and indolent are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, slothful implies a temperamental inability to act promptly or speedily when action or speed is called for.

fired for being slothful about filling orders

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of indolent

With the use of additional biomarkers and prostate MRI, the diagnosis of men with prostate cancer is more precise and avoids the detection of low-risk indolent prostate cancer and rather focuses on the early detection and effective treatment of more clinically risky prostate cancer. —Franklin D Gaylis, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 May 2025

Also, small, indolent prostate cancer is extremely common as men age, but rarely advances to serious disease. —Arthur L. Kellermann, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025

Davies says that's in part because most prostate cancers found at that age are indolent: growing slowly and not causing considerable pain. —Rachel Treisman, NPR, 19 May 2025

When an insecure yet ambitious regime attempts to carry out large-scale social transformation, the indolent bureaucrat makes for an ideal scapegoat. —Charlie Tyson, The New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2025