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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 The apathetic opposition stays away because of the campaign ads that demonize the opposition. Daily Southtown, Chicago Tribune, 30 May 2025 Most Canadians have apathetic, if not negative, feelings about the monarchy, an institution that seems increasingly distant as the country’s cultural links to Great Britain grow weaker. Stephen Maher, Time, 27 May 2025 Now, Europe is faced with a U.S. government that is at best apathetic and at worst antagonistic and that appears set on unilaterally shifting the burden of the continent’s security onto its European allies, who must reorganize to fill the gaps. Sophia Besch, Foreign Affairs, 5 May 2025 No one wants to go on bad dates; few people think of themselves as apathetic conversationalists. Alex Abad-Santos, Vox, 3 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for apathetic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apathetic
Adjective
  • The collection’s journey touched down in Argentina, the Scottish Highlands, as well as New Zealand and Australia, home of its merino wool, for a refined traveler’s wardrobe crafted from top-notch fabrications exuding nonchalant sophistication.
    Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 8 July 2025
  • At half-time, as Rayan Cherki enjoyed 15 minutes of nonchalant showboating, an altogether more ferocious warm-up was taking place just across the pitch.
    Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • Whether your preference is seaside towns, Olympic stadiums, stoic statues or artistic arches, Greece has plenty to fill your cellphone’s camera roll and offer you an unforgettable experience.
    Tracy Scott Forson, Smithsonian Magazine, 11 July 2025
  • The wildcard: Swiatek, normally stoic and focused on the court, has occasionally seemed distracted or at odds with herself this season.
    Corey Seymour, Vogue, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • Corrie and Shuai Wang, owners of North Charleston’s popular Jackrabbit Filly, opened King BBQ in a casual diner-style space in late 2023.
    Lauren Mowery, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025
  • Visitors have their pick of food options, including coastal cuisine, farm-to-table meals, and casual spots with live music.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 13 July 2025
Adjective
  • But the injured cat appeared only once, uninterested in the trap.
    David W. Brown, New Yorker, 5 July 2025
  • Lying in the bed, refusing to move, is a cocker spaniel who looks thoroughly uninterested in playing.
    Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Apathetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apathetic. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on apathetic

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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