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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective indifferent contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of indifferent are aloof, detached, disinterested, incurious, and unconcerned. While all these words mean "not showing or feeling interest," indifferent implies neutrality of attitude from lack of inclination, preference, or prejudice.

indifferent to the dictates of fashion

In what contexts can aloof take the place of indifferent?

Although the words aloof and indifferent 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 could detached be used to replace indifferent?

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

observed family gatherings with detached amusement

When can disinterested be used instead of indifferent?

The words disinterested and indifferent can be used in similar contexts, but 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 is it sensible to use incurious instead of indifferent?

While the synonyms incurious and indifferent are close in meaning, incurious implies an inability to take a normal interest due to dullness of mind or to self-centeredness.

incurious about the world

When might unconcerned be a better fit than indifferent?

In some situations, the words unconcerned and indifferent are roughly equivalent. 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 indifferent The technology remains indifferent. Dan Pontefract, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025 While many of his supporters responded to his death with messages of grief, some critics have been either indifferent or even celebratory. Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025 Institutions that once functioned for the benefit of the public are now sclerotic, having been partly dismantled, or seem indifferent to suffering. Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 12 Sep. 2025 Surely, in between a borderline incestuous relationship and a cold, indifferent one, there must be some normal way of relating to your mother. Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 10 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for indifferent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for indifferent
Adjective
  • Instead, the record reads more like an attempt at appearing nonchalant towards the negative noise, while simultaneously only focusing on it, sandwiched between a few peppy love songs.
    Bianca Davino, Refinery29, 7 Oct. 2025
  • The designer might give off a rock star vibe with her nonchalant image, but deep inside, craftsmanship is near and dear to her heart, like the thousands of vinyl records she’s collected throughout her career.
    Hikmat Mohammed, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • How many grafts does each zone need to achieve a satisfactory outcome for the eye?
    Nia Bowers, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
  • If someone asks if arrangements are satisfactory?
    Jessica Kozuka, Travel + Leisure, 28 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The damage is less to the defendant than to old-fashioned notions about the presumption of innocence and the imperative of preserving an impartial and independent Department of Justice.
    Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 9 Oct. 2025
  • Spencer believes the defense may ask to move the case out of Utah County to ensure an impartial panel.
    Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The soft, stretchy fabric and elastic waistband keep them comfortable, while the sleek design works for fitness classes, errands, or even a casual night out.
    Jacqueline Tempera, PEOPLE, 5 Oct. 2025
  • The onboard 6-watt speaker delivered good enough quality for casual use and is loud enough for a small to medium-sized family room.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 5 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • But 20 goals is a decent start.
    Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Getting a decent price has been a longstanding issue for farmers who are increasingly turning to crops like corn and sugarcane that are more lucrative and less labor-intensive.
    Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • How can hospitals, clinics and health care workers make sure that breastfeeding support is available to everyone and is equitable?
    Ann Kellams, The Conversation, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Last season, with a more equitable split, Theodore kept up the same level of performance and production.
    The Athletic NHL, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Sadly, our country’s leaders appear to be wholly uninterested in raising more generations of empathetic children, much less helping immigrant children and families to feel safe and welcomed in their new homeland.
    Priscilla Blossom, Time, 2 Oct. 2025
  • But the Tigers look uninterested in taking a step back after losing quarterback Brady Cook and receiver Luther Burden III.
    David Ubben, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Murphy Door’s growth has been anything but ordinary.
    Ashley Lutz, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2025
  • The Aqua Villas at Mangrove Marina While this may seem like an ordinary accommodation to locals, most visitors will probably get a kick out of this pick.
    Teaghan Skulszki, Travel + Leisure, 7 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Indifferent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/indifferent. Accessed 10 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on indifferent

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