impassive

adjective

im·pas·sive | \ (ˌ)im-ˈpa-siv

Definition of impassive

1 : giving no sign of feeling or emotion : expressionless

2a : unsusceptible to or destitute of emotion : apathetic

b : unsusceptible to physical feeling : insensible

c archaic : unsusceptible to pain

Other Words from impassive Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More about impassive

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Choose the Right Synonym for impassive

impassive, stoic, phlegmatic, apathetic, stolid mean unresponsive to something that might normally excite interest or emotion. impassive stresses the absence of any external sign of emotion in action or facial expression. met the news with an impassive look 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 phlegmatic implies a temperament or constitution hard to arouse. a phlegmatic man unmoved by tears apathetic may imply a puzzling or deplorable indifference or inertness. charitable appeals met an apathetic response stolid implies a habitual absence of interest, responsiveness, or curiosity. stolid workers wedded to routine

Examples of impassive in a Sentence

Her face remained impassive throughout the trial. she remained impassive as the officers informed her of her son's death

Recent Examples on the Web

By The man who was and then wasn’t and now is the Kansas City Chiefs linebackers coach stood outside the practice field on a sunny afternoon last week, impassive and rather expressionless in his first meeting with local media. — Sam Mcdowell, kansascity, "Chiefs’ new assistant coach brings ‘fiery, energetic’ style to revamped defense," 4 June 2019 Where de Meuron is subdued, contemplative, almost impassive, Herzog is frank and energetic. — Ian Volner, WSJ, "Swiss Architecture Firm Herzog & De Meuron Celebrates 40 Years," 4 Nov. 2018 In the executive boxes, even Russia’s president, Vladimir V. Putin, ordinarily so impassive, twitched the corners of his mouth in what could, just about, be recognized as a smile. — Rory Smith, New York Times, "For Russia, Five Goals and One Big Sigh of Relief," 14 June 2018 Winslow, 34, remained impassive during the court proceeding and has been held in custody since his recent arrest. — Josh Peter, USA TODAY, "Kellen Winslow Jr. faces multiple rape, kidnapping charges, bail set at $2 million," 12 July 2018 Henri van Breda appeared impassive as a judge sentenced him to three life sentences for the grisly killings of parents Martin and Teresa and brother Rudi in Stellenbosch, a scenic town in a wine-growing area near Cape Town. — Washington Post, "South African gets life in prison for ax murders of family," 7 June 2018 Her face was completely impassive and disconnected, with a small voice. — Fox News, "Clinic rescues hearts, and minds, of young Yazidis abused by ISIS," 21 June 2018 Usually dimly lit, for this show some of the lights have been turned up, the better to see three painted pillars and many more works on paper by Xu, which join the 12 impassive wooden columns that Ando placed in the room permanently. — Lori Waxman, chicagotribune.com, "Xu Longsen's artistic reminder of the vastness of nature," 14 June 2018 At first Jha’s impassive presence casts a pall over the brothers’ rambunctiousness. — Lily Janiak, SFChronicle.com, "Marin Theatre Company’s ‘Straight White Men’ don’t have it so easy," 21 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'impassive.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.