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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 Behind them, quiet and watchful, Maester Rodrik whispered a prayer to gods long abandoned, his voice trembling with dread beneath the vast, indifferent sky. Kelsey Piper, Vox, 12 May 2025 This is where the problems may start: the same mainstream society, conditioned for so long to be indifferent to the war, may start to perceive veterans as unwelcome competitors for jobs. Andrei Kolesnikov, Foreign Affairs, 9 May 2025 Diane seemed almost indifferent to her son’s death. Kc Baker, People.com, 27 Apr. 2025 Most therapists deal with patients who are either burned out or burning out: exhausted, stressed, feeling cynical and even indifferent. Ian Kerner, CNN Money, 3 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for indifferent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for indifferent
Adjective
  • While a nonchalant approach might protect you from a heartbreak, there's no way to build real relationships without vulnerability and the risk of rejection, Robbins said.
    Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2025
  • One video shows some of those on the boat maintaining a nonchalant attitude, with one man joking the vessel had hit an iceberg, Titanic-style.
    Jesse Kirsch, NBC news, 6 May 2025
Adjective
  • The Air Quality Index (AQI), developed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), measures air pollution on a scale from 0 to 500: 0-50 (Green): Good—air quality is satisfactory.
    Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 May 2025
  • In finding the right fit and tailoring these systems, a clear understanding of your business priorities and pain points can go a long way in choosing a satisfactory solution.
    Shiv Kaushik, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Diddy's jury selection continued Tuesday with voir dire, the questioning of potential jurors to assess their ability to remain impartial upon hearing various types of evidence.
    Lauryn Overhultz , Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 6 May 2025
  • They were asked if their experience would prevent them from making an impartial judgment, and most said no.
    Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 5 May 2025
Adjective
  • Honestly, for movie nights or casual gaming on a massive screen, this one’s hard to top.
    Shubham Yewale, PC Magazine, 14 May 2025
  • So, keep initiating the catch-ups, accepting invites for casual hangs, attending those after-work dinners and chatting with acquaintances at events.
    Seraphina Seow, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2025
Adjective
  • Those who stuck around to watch the game saw a decent debut for the Hopkins native outshone by another former UConn star, Napheesa Collier, who scored 34 to equal the Lynx record for most points in a season opener, per ESPN.
    Jamie Barton, CNN Money, 17 May 2025
  • Tellez is a decent hitter — sort of dangerous but also not dangerous enough to prevent him from being let go each of the past two offseasons.
    Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 May 2025
Adjective
  • The group later delivered a letter to the governor’s office that called for equitable school funding and the passage of Senate Bill 1511, which has passed out of the Education Committee and has been sent to Appropriations.
    Jessika Harkay, Hartford Courant, 9 May 2025
  • The Cook County Board of Review has consistently advocated for reforms to improve initial assessments and ensure equitable outcomes for all taxpayers.
    George Cardenas, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2025
Adjective
  • During the Biden years, Saudi Arabia proved uninterested in using its oil policies to help the United States.
    Marc Lynch, Foreign Affairs, 12 May 2025
  • These are the habitual friction creators, the ones uninterested in dialogue, seeking control, and often resistant to any collaboration.
    Stephen Miles, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025
Adjective
  • Be Strategic with Equity Compensation When Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) vest, the value is treated as ordinary income and taxed immediately.
    Malana VanTyler, USA Today, 20 May 2025
  • So many aspects of this Holy Father are just so ordinary.
    Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 18 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Indifferent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/indifferent. Accessed 25 May. 2025.

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