Synonyms of indolent

indolent

adjective

ˈin-də-lənt 

as in lazy

not easily aroused to action or work

an indolent boy who had to be forced to help out with the chores

Synonyms & Similar Words

• lazy
• idle
• slothful
• sleepy
• shiftless
• dull
• apathetic
• quiescent
• lethargic
• listless
• torpid
• languorous
• sluggish
• inert
• drowsy
• supine
• lazyish

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• industrious
• ambitious
• zealous
• diligent
• enterprising
• active
• vigorous
• energetic
• exuberant
• spirited
• dynamic
• vivacious
• lively
• sprightly
• brisk
• perky
• frisky
• animated
• pert
• jaunty
• snappy
• springy
• bouncing
• jazzy
• peppy
• zippy

Synonym Chooser

How is the word indolent distinct from other similar adjectives?

The words lazy and slothful are common synonyms of indolent. While all three words mean "not easily aroused to activity," indolent suggests a love of ease and a dislike of movement or activity.

the heat made us indolent

Where would lazy be a reasonable alternative to indolent?

While in some cases nearly identical to indolent, lazy suggests a disinclination to work or to take trouble.

take-out foods for lazy cooks

When could slothful be used to replace indolent?

The words slothful and indolent are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, slothful implies a temperamental inability to act promptly or speedily when action or speed is called for.

fired for being slothful about filling orders

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of indolent

The weather was springtime perfect and we were lulled by the splash of water and feeling indolent from a good meal and more than a few glasses of wine. —Keith Pandolfi, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025

Her tumor appears ominous but is, by nature, indolent—slow-growing, noninvasive, never destined to threaten her life. —Siddhartha Mukherjee, New Yorker, 16 June 2025

White hair denotes a lymphatic and indolent constitution. —Literary Hub, 9 June 2025

With the use of additional biomarkers and prostate MRI, the diagnosis of men with prostate cancer is more precise and avoids the detection of low-risk indolent prostate cancer and rather focuses on the early detection and effective treatment of more clinically risky prostate cancer. —Franklin D Gaylis, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 May 2025