apathy

noun

ˈa-pə-thē How to pronounce apathy (audio)
Definition of apathynext
1
as in numbness
a lack of emotion or emotional expressiveness the apathy of the people of that war-torn country comes from their having seen too many horrors

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in disregard
lack of interest or concern her poor grades are proof enough of her apathy concerning all matters academic

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 apathy In this respect, BIFF is also riding a positive trend as local cinema began to revive at the beginning of this year, following a long period of declining box office and audience apathy that held back post-pandemic recovery. — Liz Shackleton, Deadline, 5 Oct. 2026 Meanwhile, the 57-year-old has not hidden his apathy for Hollywood. — Daysia Tolentino, Entertainment Weekly, 23 Sep. 2026 The reduction ranged from 16% in the region tied to planning (dorsal putamen) to 20% in the region most closely tied to motivation and apathy (ventral striatum). — Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 14 Sep. 2026 Lazy is a character judgment requiring atonement, while apathy is a syndrome requiring treatment. — Michael P.h. Stanley, STAT, 10 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for apathy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apathy
  1. numbness
  2. disregard
  3. emptiness
  4. indifference
  5. insensibility
  6. phlegm
Noun
  • Signs such as numbness, vision changes, fatigue, and difficulty walking can occur in many other neurological disorders.
    — Bruce Bebo, STAT, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Symptoms include difficulty with movement and balance, dizziness, numbness and vision changes.
    — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of numbness
Noun
  • The definition further added that neglect should involve blatant disregard of parental responsibilities resulting in a real, significant and imminent risk of harm to the child.
    — Jennifer L. Brinkley, The Conversation, 19 Oct. 2026
  • The film, based on interviews with 24 anonymous members of Israeli military intelligence and soldiers, accuses Israel of callous disregard for Palestinian civilian life in its war in Gaza.
    — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of disregard
Noun
  • There is an emptiness left behind that cannot be filled, and there are so many of us who will never be quite the same without you.
    — Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Occasional moments of real, spontaneous joy emerge, and others reveal the crushing emptiness of lives going nowhere, but the script doesn’t lean too hard in either direction.
    — Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of emptiness
Noun
  • For arrivals willing to submit to the experimental, ever-evolving social structure, and to the limitations that were placed on newcomers, the technologically superior Eiquans professed an indifference that amounted to a willing welcome.
    — Jeff Spry, Space.com, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Conversely, an indifference to this tightening may invoke memories of Powell's 2018 'auto-pilot' remarks in reference to that tightening episode.
    — Michael Santoli, CNBC, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of indifference
Noun
  • The famous Lord Chesterfield[5] counselled his son that he should never be seen to laugh; and that gravity with real or apparent insensibility is a universal characteristic of the savage.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 July 2026
Definition of insensibility
Noun
  • Symptoms can include shortness of breath and coughing or blood in the phlegm.
    — Erika Edwards, NBC news, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Any confusion, difficulty walking, shortness of breath or coughing up significant phlegm should prompt an immediate descent.
    — Elaine Reno, The Conversation, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of phlegm

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apathetically
apathy
ape
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Cite this Entry

“Apathy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apathy. Accessed 25 Oct. 2026.

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