Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective disinterested contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of disinterested are aloof, detached, incurious, indifferent, and unconcerned. While all these words mean "not showing or feeling interest," disinterested implies a circumstantial freedom from concern for personal or especially financial advantage that enables one to judge or advise without bias.

judged by a panel of disinterested observers

When can aloof be used instead of disinterested?

The words aloof and disinterested are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, aloof suggests a cool reserve arising from a sense of superiority or disdain for inferiors or from shyness.

aloof from his coworkers

When could detached be used to replace disinterested?

The words detached and disinterested can be used in similar contexts, but detached implies an objective attitude achieved through absence of prejudice or selfishness.

observed family gatherings with detached amusement

When is incurious a more appropriate choice than disinterested?

In some situations, the words incurious and disinterested are roughly equivalent. However, incurious implies an inability to take a normal interest due to dullness of mind or to self-centeredness.

incurious about the world

In what contexts can indifferent take the place of disinterested?

While the synonyms indifferent and disinterested are close in meaning, indifferent implies neutrality of attitude from lack of inclination, preference, or prejudice.

indifferent to the dictates of fashion

When might unconcerned be a better fit than disinterested?

The synonyms unconcerned and disinterested are sometimes interchangeable, but unconcerned suggests a lack of sensitivity or regard for others' needs or troubles.

unconcerned about the homeless

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 disinterested People with autism may unintentionally use monotonous, robotic speech that sounds abnormal or disinterested to others. Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 14 May 2025 Other patients reported their therapists acted disinterested or unprofessional, a finding Jo said could be tied to the relatively low pay therapists earn on some apps. Phillip Reese, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2025 The Flyers erupted for three goals late in the second period, much the way the Capitals scored four goals late in the second period on Saturday against a Penguins team that seems relatively disinterested in goal prevention these days. Josh Yohe, The Athletic, 25 Feb. 2025 Andor sets the clock back five years from the events of Rogue One to tell the story of the film’s hero, Cassian Andor, and his transformation from disinterested, cynical nobody into a rebel hero on his way to an epic destiny. Denise Petski, Deadline, 24 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for disinterested
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disinterested
Adjective
  • Actress January Jones channeled Isabel Marant’s nonchalant French-girl style by wearing an oversized sweater and cutoff jean shorts to a dinner hosted by the designer.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 12 June 2025
  • The partnership marks a stylistic evolution for White, who previously channeled classic Americana and nonchalant cool in campaigns for Calvin Klein.
    Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 10 June 2025
Adjective
  • International aid organizations refused to participate in the new system, with deputy U.N. spokesperson Farhan Haq saying the plan is not impartial, neutral or independent.
    Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 16 June 2025
  • But the United Nations says the plan is not impartial or neutral, and it will not be involved. 'PARIAH STATE' As people waited for supplies to arrive, air strikes and tank fire killed at least 50 people across the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, Palestinian health authorities said.
    Nidal al-Mughrabi, USA Today, 23 May 2025
Adjective
  • Pair it with sneakers, sandals, flats, and more for a casual yet stylish everyday look.
    Clara McMahon, People.com, 19 June 2025
  • Reservations are required for both the casual tasting and the picnic table.
    Katie Sweeney, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025
Adjective
  • As new federal and state regulations favor local data and AI with human oversight, there has never been a better—or more urgent—moment to make the U.S. the global standard for secure, resilient, and equitable healthcare administration in the era of agentic AI.
    Vlad Panin, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
  • This year's honor roll comes at a critical time, as hospitals work to maintain equitable care amid potential Medicaid cuts, rising costs and ongoing workforce challenges.
    Alexis Kayser, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • Afterward, Kessler told reporters his side was open to a settlement, but that NASCAR was uninterested in doing so.
    Jordan Bianchi, New York Times, 18 June 2025
  • Unlike The Last of Us, however, Doom is entirely uninterested in interrogating the meaning of that violence — a theme that has become a shorthand for mature storytelling in games, whether or not that descriptor is earned.
    Joshua Rivera, Vulture, 20 May 2025
Adjective
  • The second shoe was roughly equal to a U.S. men's size 14, which impressed the volunteers.
    Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 22 June 2025
  • Under the blistering sun, protesters demanded equal rights for trans and gender-nonconforming people.
    William Tong, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Disinterested.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disinterested. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.

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