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 From the outside, these behaviors may look like apathy, avoidance or poor leadership. — Jennifer Wisdom, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026 That positive word of mouth would overcome the apathy towards the film's plot and the off-putting remarks from Alcock. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 5 July 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 Does this show reveal more to me how the most vulnerable amongst us are suffering as a result of disinterest, apathy, greed? — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 27 June 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
  • Multiple sclerosis is a disease that causes the breakdown of the protective covering of nerves, resulting in numbness, weakness, trouble walking, vision changes and other symptoms, according to the Mayo Clinic.
    — Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Pain, numbness or tingling in the lower extremities can point to an orthopedic issue, but the same sensations can also signal prostate cancer that has spread.
    — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of numbness
Noun
  • That last item points to Trump’s disregard for the niceties of government procedure.
    — Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 12 Aug. 2026
  • The one constant is the absolute disregard for expertise that’s apparent in virtually every single example.
    — Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of disregard
Noun
  • The problem isn’t the characterization, since the surgeon is extremely well drawn and Văncică’s performance picks up on both the overall inner emptiness and the yearning for something more.
    — Jay Weissberg, Variety, 14 Aug. 2026
  • If the early universe obeyed this rule, our modern cosmos would be devoid of substance, just energy fields rippling eternally through emptiness.
    — Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of emptiness
Noun
  • Data center projects have been shrouded in secrecy and marked by breathtaking indifference to residents’ concerns.
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 13 Aug. 2026
  • There, her stern Granny and poised Aunt Helen (Genevieve O’Reilly) are horrified by her lack of refinement and her indifference about finding a respectable husband.
    — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 13 Aug. 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
  • Your Mucus Changes Changes in mucus (phlegm) are among the most common signs of a COPD flare-up.
    — MD Published, Verywell Health, 6 Aug. 2026
  • European colonists commonly believed that the balance of humors – yellow and black biles, blood and phlegm – circulating through one’s body was important for health.
    — Katherine Ott, The Conversation, 2 July 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 16 Aug. 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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