Synonyms of indifferent

indifferent

adjective

in-ˈdi-f(ə-)rənt 

1

as in nonchalant

having or showing a lack of interest or concern

indifferent about the result of the football game

Synonyms & Similar Words

• nonchalant
• casual
• uninterested
• apathetic
• disinterested
• unconcerned
• careless
• complacent
• detached
• incurious
• perfunctory
• stoic
• insouciant
• uncurious
• calm
• insensible
• aloof
• numb
• cold
• lukewarm
• callous
• unemotional
• tepid
• insensitive
• halfhearted
• dispassionate
• pococurante
• unfeeling
• heedless
• remote
• impassive
• phlegmatic
• impervious
• listless
• mindless
• lethargic
• hard-hearted
• unimpressed
• stolid
• cool

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• interested
• concerned
• aware
• attentive
• conscientious
• sensitive
• mindful
• warm
• passionate
• zealous
• ardent
• fervent
• heedful
• keen
• caring
• warmhearted

2

as in satisfactory

of average to below average quality

an indifferent but drinkable cup of coffee

Synonyms & Similar Words

• satisfactory
• decent
• ordinary
• mediocre
• medium
• middling
• fair
• common
• second-class
• passable
• adequate
• so-so
• reasonable
• second-rate
• acceptable
• nice
• good
• run-of-the-mill
• run-of-the-mine
• respectable
• sufficient
• modest
• tolerable
• all right
• fine
• moderate
• OK
• minimal
• alright
• presentable
• sufficing
• unexceptional

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• excellent
• superior
• outstanding
• great
• special
• exceptional
• optimal
• distinguished
• supreme
• splendid
• optimum
• prime
• choice
• maximum
• superb
• terrific
• exquisite
• first-class
• sensational
• stellar
• superlative
• top
• marvelous
• par excellence
• classic
• grand
• fantastic
• peerless
• sterling
• swell
• number one
• fabulous
• capital
• A1
• preeminent
• nifty
• unparalleled
• first-rate
• matchless
• unsatisfactory
• inadequate
• unmatched
• top-notch
• unsurpassed
• unacceptable
• insufficient
• lacking
• tip-top
• deficient
• wanting

3

as in impartial

marked by justice, honesty, and freedom from bias

they believed their art teacher could offer an indifferent judgment on their works' merits

Synonyms & Similar Words

• impartial
• equitable
• equal
• disinterested
• objective
• unbiased
• candid
• square
• dispassionate
• unprejudiced
• just
• fair
• evenhanded
• nonpartisan
• frank
• straightforward
• reasonable
• rational
• open
• forthright
• straight
• balanced

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• unjust
• partial
• partisan
• biased
• inequitable
• deceptive
• dishonest
• unreasonable
• arbitrary
• deceitful
• prejudiced
• nonobjective
• unconscionable
• one-sided
• unfriendly
• unsympathetic
• ex parte
• parti pris
• colored
• jaundiced
• distorted
• warped

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

Recent Examples of indifferent

Police began showing up, flummoxed in the face of an irate attorney, indifferent third-party technicians, and insensate machines. — Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026

The longer the song goes on, the more the relentless pulse of the drums starts to seem indifferent and mechanical, an actual machine with no awareness of human life, while the drones grow longer and feel more and more like deep sighs. — Sadie Sartini Garner, Pitchfork, 4 Oct. 2026

Its government, dominated by hardened veterans of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and largely indifferent to the suffering of the Iranian population, appears determined to fight on. — Richard Haass, Foreign Affairs, 23 Sep. 2026

There’s expert work also from Pyle as a careworn law enforcement officer unable to remain indifferent to the taking of another life in the name of the law. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 17 Sep. 2026