Synonyms of phlegm

phlegm

noun

ˈflem 

as in numbness

a lack of emotion or emotional expressiveness

a man of remarkable phlegm, never showing enthusiasm nor displeasure

Synonyms & Similar Words

• numbness
• impassiveness
• impassivity
• emptiness
• coldness
• apathy
• insensibility
• emotionlessness
• detachment
• affectlessness
• callosity
• hardness
• imperturbability
• coolness
• blankness
• heartlessness
• obduracy
• bloodlessness
• indifference
• stiffness
• callousness
• deadness
• vacancy
• insensitivity
• halfheartedness
• woodenness
• unconcern
• aloofness
• hard-heartedness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• emotion
• feeling
• sensibility
• sympathy
• sensitivity
• pity
• compassion
• empathy
• understanding
• warmth
• tenderness
• receptivity
• responsiveness
• hysteria
• melodrama
• solicitude
• hysterics
• vehemence
• receptiveness
• histrionics
• hand-wringing

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of phlegm

The phlegm is then examined under a microscope for the telltale tuberculosis bacteria. — Ari Daniel, NPR, 29 Apr. 2026

And if salt and water start to move, so, too, does the phlegm that has been sitting dehydrated in the lungs of CF patients. — Courtney Crowder, USA Today, 10 Apr. 2026

Population surveys also link vaping to chronic cough, phlegm, bronchitis, shortness of breath, asthma flares and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease—or COPD. — Jesse Pines, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2026

The second is having either 10 or more pack years of smoking, or symptoms of cough, phlegm and trouble breathing. — Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2025