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Synonym Chooser

How is the word apathetic distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of apathetic are impassive, phlegmatic, stoic, and stolid. While all these words mean "unresponsive to something that might normally excite interest or emotion," apathetic may imply a puzzling or deplorable indifference or inertness.

charitable appeals met an apathetic response

Where would impassive be a reasonable alternative to apathetic?

The meanings of impassive and apathetic largely overlap; however, 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 apathetic?

In some situations, the words phlegmatic and apathetic are roughly equivalent. However, phlegmatic implies a temperament or constitution hard to arouse.

a phlegmatic man unmoved by tears

When might stoic be a better fit than apathetic?

The words stoic and apathetic are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 stolid a more appropriate choice than apathetic?

The words stolid and apathetic can be used in similar contexts, but stolid implies a habitual absence of interest, responsiveness, or curiosity.

stolid workers wedded to routine

Example 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 apathetic President Donald Trump's return to the White House has left many progressive Americans feeling disillusioned, resigned, and apathetic. Time, 16 July 2025 When Luanne’s apathetic boyfriend, Buckley (David Herman), dies in a Mega Lo Mart explosion, Luanne struggles to move on. Daniel Dockery, Vulture, 7 July 2025 From the outside, this carelessness made the Sky look apathetic on offense for most of the second half, a characteristic of many losses this season. Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 19 June 2025 But with an apathetic fan base, securing donations for a capital project was a non-starter, especially when name, image and likeness funding is paramount toward recruiting and retaining quality athletes. Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for apathetic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apathetic
Adjective
  • Faced with punishment from school administrators, Westman appeared alternately nervous and nonchalant, the former employee said.
    Tim Stelloh, NBC news, 29 Aug. 2025
  • This isn’t the first time Kravitz and her stylist, Danielle Goldberg, have embraced nonchalant suiting on her press tour.
    Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 26 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Maybe masculinity still does mean taking care of and protecting your partner, being the breadwinner and remaining stoic all the same.
    Laura Trujillo, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
  • During his first postgame press conference at UNC, Bill Belichick maintained the stoic demeanor that became synonymous with his lengthy run with the New England Patriots.
    Staff, FOXNews.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Perfect for long flights, city strolls, or casual dinners, the moisture-wicking fabric is stretchy, breathable, and even offers UPF 40+ sun protection.
    Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Keep it casual in sneakers, or wear it with suede ankle booties to the pumpkin patch.
    Emily Weaver, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Taylor’s being a drill sergeant, but Belly and Anika are uninterested in going viral.
    Sara Netzley, EW.com, 20 Aug. 2025
  • Both artists were uninterested in the delusions that come with being attached to the mainstream music industry.
    Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 6 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Apathetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apathetic. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on apathetic

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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