Definition of impassivenext
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Synonym Chooser

How is the word impassive distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of impassive are apathetic, phlegmatic, stoic, and stolid. While all these words mean "unresponsive to something that might normally excite interest or emotion," impassive stresses the absence of any external sign of emotion in action or facial expression.

met the news with an impassive look

When is apathetic a more appropriate choice than impassive?

The synonyms apathetic and impassive are sometimes interchangeable, but apathetic may imply a puzzling or deplorable indifference or inertness.

charitable appeals met an apathetic response

When is it sensible to use phlegmatic instead of impassive?

Although the words phlegmatic and impassive have much in common, phlegmatic implies a temperament or constitution hard to arouse.

a phlegmatic man unmoved by tears

Where would stoic be a reasonable alternative to impassive?

The words stoic and impassive are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, stoic implies an apparent indifference to pleasure or especially to pain often as a matter of principle or self-discipline.

was resolutely stoic even in adversity

When could stolid be used to replace impassive?

The words stolid and impassive can be used in similar contexts, but stolid implies a habitual absence of interest, responsiveness, or curiosity.

stolid workers wedded to routine

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 impassive But the most spectacular aspect of Nuestra Tierra may be its use of drone camerawork, and the way Martel uses the unsettling stillness of a drone as the eye of an impassive god, looking down at the wrongs carried out by those on the ground. Vulture Staff, Vulture, 23 Sep. 2025 There are also plenty of promotional materials dating from the building’s launch, and in one video clip, Kurokawa sells the merits of the building to an impassive audience of smoking businessmen. Anthony Paletta, Curbed, 2 Sep. 2025 She is described, variously, as quirky, impassive, naive, vulgar, blithely optimistic. Judy Berman, Time, 20 Aug. 2025 The impassive march of content and the shuffling tread of death. Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 9 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for impassive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impassive
Adjective
  • Our analysis showed how often extreme fitness narratives, hustle culture and emotionally stoic ideals are surfaced to audiences.
    Stuart A. Spencer, Fortune, 15 Feb. 2026
  • As the conflicted Wahida, Abbas takes the film’s stoic center, shading the character in such a way that her dilemma becomes the audience’s main focus.
    Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Too Much Wall Art Wall art is a great way to make a space feel more complete, but don't be afraid to leave some blank space here and there.
    Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 10 Feb. 2026
  • From crisp cutouts decorated in royal icing, to soft and cakey sugar cookies, or even sugar cookies bars, the simple vanilla dough is a blank canvas for all sorts of designs and flavors.
    Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The routine calls for this chic, almost expressionless vibe — very different from a typical K-pop performance.
    Billboard Korea, Billboard, 26 Nov. 2025
  • Bale ran to the corner of the pitch, and, having been an expressionless bystander for much of the evening, shouted in ecstasy.
    Hua Hsu, The New Yorker, 21 Nov. 2022
Adjective
  • Investigators later determined the four officers fired nearly 100 shots, including three that were fired as Reed — a former standout basketball player at Westinghouse College Prep high school — was lying motionless on the ground.
    Sam Charles, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
  • One on a stoop and two on a corner and four motionless on a sidewalk and—down the block, the reflective vests of the volunteers in pairs walking the school patrol, to keep the kids from the K-5 safe from ICE.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • There’s a fair share of dancefloor warriors—techno devotees, avante-garde fashionistas, curious international travelers, and the enigmatic regulars.
    Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Feb. 2026
  • And then, as happens so often with this most enigmatic of bands, the pendulum swung back.
    Ben Cardew, Pitchfork, 14 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Impassive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impassive. Accessed 18 Feb. 2026.

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