PHLEGMATIC Synonyms: 91 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'phlegmatic' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of phlegmatic are apathetic , impassive , stoic , and stolid . While all these words mean "unresponsive to something that might normally excite interest or emotion," phlegmatic implies a temperament or constitution hard to arouse. // a phlegmatic man unmoved by tears

Q: When is it sensible to use 'apathetic' instead of 'phlegmatic'?

Although the words apathetic and phlegmatic have much in common, apathetic may imply a puzzling or deplorable indifference or inertness. // charitable appeals met an apathetic response

Q: When would 'impassive' be a good substitute for 'phlegmatic'?

While in some cases nearly identical to phlegmatic , impassive stresses the absence of any external sign of emotion in action or facial expression. // met the news with an impassive look

Q: When is 'stoic' a more appropriate choice than 'phlegmatic'?

The meanings of stoic and phlegmatic largely overlap; however, stoic implies an apparent indifference to pleasure or especially to pain often as a matter of principle or self-discipline. // was resolutely stoic even in adversity

Q: Where would 'stolid' be a reasonable alternative to 'phlegmatic'?

The words stolid and phlegmatic can be used in similar contexts, but stolid implies a habitual absence of interest, responsiveness, or curiosity. // stolid workers wedded to routine

phlegmatic

adjective

Definition of phlegmatic next

as in stoic

not feeling or showing emotion a strangely phlegmatic response to what should have been happy news

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How is the word phlegmatic distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of phlegmatic are apathetic, impassive, stoic, and stolid. While all these words mean "unresponsive to something that might normally excite interest or emotion," phlegmatic implies a temperament or constitution hard to arouse.

a phlegmatic man unmoved by tears

When is it sensible to use apathetic instead of phlegmatic?

Although the words apathetic and phlegmatic have much in common, apathetic may imply a puzzling or deplorable indifference or inertness.

charitable appeals met an apathetic response

When would impassive be a good substitute for phlegmatic?

While in some cases nearly identical to phlegmatic, impassive stresses the absence of any external sign of emotion in action or facial expression.

met the news with an impassive look

When is stoic a more appropriate choice than phlegmatic?

The meanings of stoic and phlegmatic largely overlap; however, stoic implies an apparent indifference to pleasure or especially to pain often as a matter of principle or self-discipline.

was resolutely stoic even in adversity

Where would stolid be a reasonable alternative to phlegmatic?

The words stolid and phlegmatic can be used in similar contexts, but stolid implies a habitual absence of interest, responsiveness, or curiosity.

stolid workers wedded to routine