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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 Some become apathetic, seeing the problem as distant or abstract. Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025 The Vermont Senator, who was in California for an anti-oligarchy rally earlier in the day, encouraged the crowd to fight for the country, warning of the dire consequences the country faces if people remain apathetic. Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 12 Apr. 2025 Rotations and close-outs often appeared apathetic or simply nonexistent. Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 11 Apr. 2025 Behavioral economists might argue that any incentive can help, but will this amount truly move the needle for those deeply apathetic or financially strained? Shahar Ziv, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for apathetic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apathetic
Adjective
  • While a nonchalant approach might protect you from a heartbreak, there's no way to build real relationships without vulnerability and the risk of rejection, Robbins said.
    Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2025
  • One video shows some of those on the boat maintaining a nonchalant attitude, with one man joking the vessel had hit an iceberg, Titanic-style.
    Jesse Kirsch, NBC news, 6 May 2025
Adjective
  • Josh Duhamel portrays Staten Kirkland, a stoic rancher fighting to save his family’s land and legacy in the Netflix drama series Ransom Canyon.
    Dana Feldman, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
  • Researchers say that because boys still face the expectation to be stoic, their struggles more often show up in their behavior.
    Claire Cain Miller, New York Times, 13 May 2025
Adjective
  • So, keep initiating the catch-ups, accepting invites for casual hangs, attending those after-work dinners and chatting with acquaintances at events.
    Seraphina Seow, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2025
  • Honestly, for movie nights or casual gaming on a massive screen, this one’s hard to top.
    Shubham Yewale, PC Magazine, 14 May 2025
Adjective
  • During the Biden years, Saudi Arabia proved uninterested in using its oil policies to help the United States.
    Marc Lynch, Foreign Affairs, 12 May 2025
  • These are the habitual friction creators, the ones uninterested in dialogue, seeking control, and often resistant to any collaboration.
    Stephen Miles, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Apathetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apathetic. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on apathetic

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