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

Screenings in healthy adults are also more likely to catch indolent disease, meaning slow-growing or static conditions, than aggressive ones. — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Sep. 2026

Possibly a deepening and widening of populist politics, as both the far right and the far left win over more of the allegedly indolent youth. — Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2026

Every journey with indolent systemic mastocytosis (ISM) is unique, but my journey with ISM has been especially unique. — Shannon Dingey, Health, 1 July 2026

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