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

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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 Persistent low energy, irritability, brain fog and apathy toward daily life are the clearest signals that a structured wellness experience could help. — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 10 June 2026 This matches a symptom of Alzheimer’s in men, who are likely to display signs of apathy, said Jaime Ross, a neuroscientist and the research paper’s senior author. — Michael Hawthorne, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2026 In the lead-up to this summer’s FIFA men’s World Cup, critics complained about prices, domestic politics, international geopolitics, supposed fan apathy, logistical hurdles and more. — Andrés Martinez, Washington Post, 1 July 2026 The council’s decision to shelve so many reforms will only fuel public apathy and distrust, said Ross Weistroffer, an organizer with Fair Rep LA Coalition, a group of nonprofits that pushes for good government and fair representation. — Melissa Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for apathy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apathy
  1. numbness
  2. disregard
  3. emptiness
  4. indifference
  5. phlegm
Noun
  • According to the report, the boy first developed progressive facial numbness and tingling on the right side of his face, followed by loss of appetite, painful swallowing and vomiting.
    — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • Webb, the Oklahoma radiologist, documented four times that a patient lacked numbness, and yet his WISeR application was still denied, citing numbness, which, in the reviewer's interpretation, would rule out the spinal surgery procedure.
    — Darius Tahir, CBS News, 23 June 2026
Definition of numbness
Noun
  • James has become increasingly comfortable with dictating his own future with total disregard for anyone else’s opinion.
    — Mark Medina, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • There are several, and despite this administration’s blithe disregard for environmental safety, America’s 250th birthday offers a striking opportunity to consider them.
    — Char Miller, Time, 30 June 2026
Definition of disregard
Noun
  • He was used to being alone without Robin and postretirement but being alone in the interminable stretch of predawn hours was a different sort of emptiness.
    — Danielle Parker, CBS News, 30 June 2026
  • Work gives you somewhere to point your attention, somewhere to put the grief, the sadness, the emptiness.
    — Alla Adam, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026
Definition of emptiness
Noun
  • Hamilton students were, in their basic indifference, not unlike the typical Gators of my own undergraduate years, trying to cruise through the graduation requirements by whatever means necessary.
    — Ann Manov, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026
  • The world of Pride and Prejudice expects women to accommodate male pride as a social fact, to smooth over awkwardness, to accept that status and wealth compensate for coldness or indifference.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 29 June 2026
Definition of indifference
Noun
  • Veeze’s signature rapping voice, which sounds like his vocal cords are coated in phlegm and cough syrup, is increasingly versatile, despite the sometimes half-asleep delivery.
    — Matthew Ritchie, Pitchfork, 2 June 2026
  • The phlegm is then examined under a microscope for the telltale tuberculosis bacteria.
    — Ari Daniel, NPR, 29 Apr. 2026
Definition of phlegm

Browse Nearby Words

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 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on apathy

Nglish: Translation of apathy for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about apathy

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