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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 image portrays a man battling over food scraps with swarms of flies indifferent to their invasion of his territory. Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025 No, Task is most interested in serving up a drama about people in pain making their way through a world filled with senseless cruelty and overseen (depending on your religious beliefs) by an indifferent God. Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 28 Aug. 2025 Is the universe malicious, or merely indifferent? Jia Tolentino, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2025 Yet polls also show that a majority of Israelis remain either indifferent to the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza or are in support of it, as dehumanization of Palestinians is widespread among large swaths of Israeli society. Asher Kaufman, The Conversation, 23 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for indifferent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for indifferent
Adjective
  • Warren, in his typically nonchalant fashion, downplayed his early impact in the Colts’ offense.
    James Boyd, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Faced with punishment from school administrators, Westman appeared alternately nervous and nonchalant, the former employee said.
    Tim Stelloh, NBC news, 29 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Since its premiere in 2011, Downton Abbey has bid audiences adieu a few times — first, with its television finale after six seasons; then, over the course of two films, any one of which could have been a satisfactory conclusion for this cadre of characters.
    Mekishana Pierre September 11, EW.com, 11 Sep. 2025
  • While the golf course renovation was not satisfactory to many people, it was needed.
    Steven Franck, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • For a longer journey, Johnson is impartial to his Osprey Aether pack for its airscape back panels, floating lids, and signature Fit on the Fly adjustments.
    Jillian Dara, Travel + Leisure, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Our department is committed to a thorough and impartial review.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Streaming platforms have blurred the line between prestige drama and casual binge.
    Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Ranging in sizes 4 Petite to 24 Plus, this casual yet classy dress features button cuff sleeves, a flattering tie closure, and over a dozen colors to choose from.
    Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The Padres might come to regret trading Ryan Bergert and Stephen Kolek, but another trade deadline acquisition, Freddy Fermin, has provided a decent upgrade at a position of glaring weakness.
    Dennis Lin, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2025
  • One is the character of the factory owner, Baek Joo-sang, who has a very dark, hidden side to him, but who is also considered a good boss and decent person by the people around him.
    Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Civil rights leaders criticized the federal government at the time for failing to prioritize equitable access in communities of color.
    Nicquel Terry Ellis, CNN Money, 14 Sep. 2025
  • These include helping your family, helping your group, demonstrating reciprocity, demonstrating bravery, respecting a hierarchy and your superiors, dividing resources in an equitable way and respecting ownership of property.
    Tracy Brower, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • This is perhaps why the Kremlin seems so uninterested in ending the war.
    Jeremy Shapiro, The Atlantic, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Taylor’s being a drill sergeant, but Belly and Anika are uninterested in going viral.
    Sara Netzley, EW.com, 20 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • That was followed by the Israeli-Gaza war, which to date has claimed the lives of around 64,000 Palestinians, including ordinary Gazans, according to the local health authority.
    Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Joan and Luke had a love that was all fireworks and sexy dazzle; after Luke died, Joan married Larry, who was all ordinary-guy solidity.
    Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 10 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Indifferent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/indifferent. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

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