Synonyms of disinterested

disinterested

adjective

(ˌ)dis-ˈin-trə-stəd 

1

as in nonchalant

having or showing a lack of interest or concern

the city's philistines, naturally disinterested in art, voted to cut the museum's budget

Synonyms & Similar Words

• nonchalant
• casual
• uninterested
• unconcerned
• apathetic
• indifferent
• detached
• careless
• perfunctory
• incurious
• complacent
• stoic
• insouciant
• uncurious
• calm
• insensible
• aloof
• dispassionate
• numb
• cold
• halfhearted
• lukewarm
• callous
• tepid
• unemotional
• pococurante
• remote
• insensitive
• stoical
• unfeeling
• listless
• impassive
• unimpressed
• lethargic
• stolid
• phlegmatic
• heedless
• mindless
• hard-hearted
• cool
• impervious

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• interested
• concerned
• aware
• conscientious
• attentive
• mindful
• sensitive
• warm
• passionate
• zealous
• ardent
• keen
• fervent
• heedful
• caring
• warmhearted

2

as in impartial

marked by justice, honesty, and freedom from bias

a judge who is widely respected for his disinterested decisions

Synonyms & Similar Words

• impartial
• equitable
• equal
• indifferent
• objective
• unbiased
• dispassionate
• candid
• unprejudiced
• square
• evenhanded
• just
• nonpartisan
• fair
• frank
• reasonable
• straightforward
• rational
• open
• balanced
• forthright
• straight

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• partisan
• partial
• biased
• unjust
• inequitable
• deceptive
• dishonest
• unreasonable
• deceitful
• prejudiced
• arbitrary
• nonobjective
• one-sided
• unconscionable
• unfriendly
• unsympathetic
• colored
• jaundiced
• ex parte
• parti pris
• distorted
• warped

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

Recent Examples of disinterested

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

Guess has formed a special committee of its independent and disinterested directors to consider the offer. —Evan Clark, WWD, 17 Mar. 2025

Because even though electric motors can pack a punch, people paying big money for super- and hypercars are increasingly disinterested in those cars being electrified. —Ars Technica, 7 Mar. 2025

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