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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 Canadians are largely indifferent to the monarchy, but Mr. Carney has been eager to show the differences between Canada and the United States. Rob Gillies, Christian Science Monitor, 27 May 2025 So when his young grandson develops a brain tumor, Joe needs a way to pay for the boy’s treatment and make amends for his own indifferent parenting. Jeannette Catsoulis, New York Times, 22 May 2025 While seemingly indifferent, like Yi-young, Gi-on actually finds the department exciting and wants to stay. Kayti Burt, Time, 19 May 2025 There’s no music, either, to soften or ennoble proceedings, only the indifferent murmur of weather over the startling debris of human conflict, or the slow creak of a galleon on lapping waters as sailors are sent cruelly to their deaths. Guy Lodge, Variety, 28 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for indifferent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for indifferent
Adjective
  • At half-time, as Rayan Cherki enjoyed 15 minutes of nonchalant showboating, an altogether more ferocious warm-up was taking place just across the pitch.
    Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 27 June 2025
  • Actress January Jones channeled Isabel Marant’s nonchalant French-girl style by wearing an oversized sweater and cutoff jean shorts to a dinner hosted by the designer.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 12 June 2025
Adjective
  • To begin with, bombardment is unlikely to lead to a satisfactory outcome.
    Robert Kagan, The Atlantic, 21 June 2025
  • At highway cruising speed, the SUV is satisfactory.
    James Raia, Mercury News, 16 June 2025
Adjective
  • The government said that independence requirement merely means the task force is supposed to make recommendations based on their impartial medical and public-health judgments.
    Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 28 June 2025
  • The court determined that prosecutors with the Johnson County District Attorney’s Office made procedural errors during the trial that undermined the jury’s ability to reach an impartial verdict.
    Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 28 June 2025
Adjective
  • Even casual users should take a moment to review their settings and chat history to make sure personal details aren’t being shared without their knowledge.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2025
  • Quiet luxury persists, but in a more casual, relaxed iteration.
    Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • Building a high-functioning AI agent isn’t cheap: from $5,000 at the low end to upwards of $20,000 just to get something decent off the ground.
    Brando Murphy, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
  • Start by rolling them on a countertop with a decent amount of pressure; doing so helps release the lemon juice from its membranes.
    Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • As new federal and state regulations favor local data and AI with human oversight, there has never been a better—or more urgent—moment to make the U.S. the global standard for secure, resilient, and equitable healthcare administration in the era of agentic AI.
    Vlad Panin, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
  • This year's honor roll comes at a critical time, as hospitals work to maintain equitable care amid potential Medicaid cuts, rising costs and ongoing workforce challenges.
    Alexis Kayser, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • Los Angeles also has problems of crime and homelessness the city government seems uninterested in fixing.
    Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Despite her Oscar win, Matlin would repeatedly have to advocate for herself in an industry seemingly uninterested in Deaf characters.
    Tim Grierson, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • Unlike ordinary memory supplements, Neuriva Memory 3D has clinically tested ingredients to support three dimensions of memory: short-term, long-term and working.
    Adam Mills, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025
  • Her exercises, lifted from decades of performance scores, are designed to turn ordinary acts into meditative rituals.
    Ellen O'Connell Whittet June 25, Literary Hub, 25 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Indifferent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/indifferent. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

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