Synonyms of nonchalant

nonchalant

adjective

ˌnän-shə-ˈlänt 

as in casual

having or showing a lack of interest or concern

you shouldn't be so nonchalant about something that is so important to your parents

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonym Chooser

How is the word nonchalant different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of nonchalant are collected, composed, cool, imperturbable, and unruffled. While all these words mean "free from agitation or excitement," nonchalant stresses an easy coolness of manner or casualness that suggests indifference or unconcern.

a nonchalant driver

When could collected be used to replace nonchalant?

The words collected and nonchalant can be used in similar contexts, but collected implies a concentration of mind that eliminates distractions especially in moments of crisis.

the nurse stayed calm and collected

When might composed be a better fit than nonchalant?

While in some cases nearly identical to nonchalant, composed implies freedom from agitation as a result of self-discipline or a sedate disposition.

the composed pianist gave a flawless concert

When is it sensible to use cool instead of nonchalant?

The words cool and nonchalant are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, cool may imply calmness, deliberateness, or dispassionateness.

kept a cool head

Where would imperturbable be a reasonable alternative to nonchalant?

The meanings of imperturbable and nonchalant largely overlap; however, imperturbable implies coolness or assurance even under severe provocation.

the speaker remained imperturbable despite the heckling

In what contexts can unruffled take the place of nonchalant?

While the synonyms unruffled and nonchalant are close in meaning, unruffled suggests apparent serenity and poise in the face of setbacks or in the midst of excitement.

harried but unruffled

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of nonchalant

As with everything else Detective Diaz does, her coming out was so comedically nonchalant and matter-of-fact. —Catherine Mhloyi, Them., 15 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

This isn’t the first time Kravitz and her stylist, Danielle Goldberg, have embraced nonchalant suiting on her press tour. —Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 26 Aug. 2025

Her opponent was a noisy avalanche of language, but Kuang appeared cool and nonchalant. —Hua Hsu, New Yorker, 18 Aug. 2025

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