Definition of incuriousnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective incurious contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of incurious are aloof, detached, disinterested, indifferent, and unconcerned. While all these words mean "not showing or feeling interest," incurious implies an inability to take a normal interest due to dullness of mind or to self-centeredness.

incurious about the world

When is it sensible to use aloof instead of incurious?

Although the words aloof and incurious have much in common, aloof suggests a cool reserve arising from a sense of superiority or disdain for inferiors or from shyness.

aloof from his coworkers

When would detached be a good substitute for incurious?

The synonyms detached and incurious are sometimes interchangeable, but detached implies an objective attitude achieved through absence of prejudice or selfishness.

observed family gatherings with detached amusement

When could disinterested be used to replace incurious?

In some situations, the words disinterested and incurious are roughly equivalent. However, 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

Where would indifferent be a reasonable alternative to incurious?

The words indifferent and incurious are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, indifferent implies neutrality of attitude from lack of inclination, preference, or prejudice.

indifferent to the dictates of fashion

When is unconcerned a more appropriate choice than incurious?

The meanings of unconcerned and incurious largely overlap; however, 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 incurious Next came a disastrous interview with CBS’s Katie Couric in which Palin seemed to reveal herself to be uninformed and blithely incurious about most things unrelated to Alaska. Time, 3 Nov. 2025 For many readers, like me, TFP is a welcome alternative to the incurious group-think that weighed down The Gray Lady. Debra J. Saunders, Oc Register, 13 Oct. 2025 The Iranian government is not an innocent party by any means, but The Morning Show presents rumors and accusations about the country as facts that feel incurious at best and reckless at worst. Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 26 Sep. 2025 The food stash, the waste disposal, none of that comes into play, and the characters are wholly incurious about whatever’s going on outside their cave. Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 6 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for incurious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for incurious
Adjective
  • Snelling recalled telling Carpenter, who responded with a rather nonchalant question.
    ABC News, ABC News, 8 May 2026
  • With all due respect to lace shorts, nonchalant track shorts are already the most coveted shorts of the moment.
    Tatiana Ojea, Glamour, 3 May 2026
Adjective
  • Now even casual drinkers seem to be on a journey of sorts—if not toward sobriety, then toward some kind of self-knowledge.
    Hannah Goldfield, New Yorker, 18 May 2026
  • Ebola virus is spread through direct contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person and does not spread through casual contact or air.
    Dr. Céline Gounder, CBS News, 18 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Incurious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/incurious. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

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