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

After the video of Libby and Loki's first meeting went viral, plenty of TikTok users have taken to the comments section to laud her nonchalant reaction. —Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Aug. 2025

Despite the win leaving his wife in disbelief, the winner was nonchalant. —Daniella Segura, Miami Herald, 4 Aug. 2025

British newspapers applaud its nonchalant atmosphere and dishes that rival those savored on an Italian holiday—all without the hefty price tag. —Kissa Castaneda, Forbes.com, 27 July 2025

The Las Vegas Aces players kept it nonchalant for their most recent walk down the tunnel ahead of their game against the Connecticut Sun on Sunday. —Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019

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