variants or stoical
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Synonym Chooser

How is the word stoic distinct from other similar adjectives?

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

When is it sensible to use apathetic instead of stoic?

The synonyms apathetic and stoic are sometimes interchangeable, but apathetic may imply a puzzling or deplorable indifference or inertness.

charitable appeals met an apathetic response

When could impassive be used to replace stoic?

The words impassive and stoic are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, impassive stresses the absence of any external sign of emotion in action or facial expression.

met the news with an impassive look

When can phlegmatic be used instead of stoic?

While in some cases nearly identical to stoic, phlegmatic implies a temperament or constitution hard to arouse.

a phlegmatic man unmoved by tears

When would stolid be a good substitute for stoic?

While the synonyms stolid and stoic are close in meaning, stolid implies a habitual absence of interest, responsiveness, or curiosity.

stolid workers wedded to routine

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of stoic The pomeranian doesn't move an inch though, remaining stoic during what is, traditionally, a highlight of the day for most dogs. Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 May 2025 By placing both Washington and the camera filming him in close-up on a moving dolly outside the ballroom, Lee created the impression that Malcolm was floating through space, in a trance of stoic anticipation. CBS News, 2 May 2025 Since the org partnered with Three Camel Lodge in 2020 to expand the breeding program, visitors to the camp can meet the stoic (but still quite cute and fluffy) guardian dogs. AFAR Media, 25 Apr. 2025 At the center of it all is Staten Kirkland (Josh Duhamel), a stoic and very private rancher healing from heartbreaking loss. Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 17 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for stoic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stoic
Adjective
  • The key to success is being patient and consistent with healthy habits.
    Kumkum S. Patel, Verywell Health, 22 May 2025
  • Healthcare organizations can leverage this technology to securely analyze patient data across international boundaries while maintaining compliance.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
Adjective
  • Pay no heed to the aches in your body, the growing fear that your numb fingers and toes may never be able to feel sensations again: look up and thank the man with your gaze.
    Hazlitt, Hazlitt, 13 May 2025
  • An example is lidocaine, used to numb pain during medical procedures.
    Rebecca Robbins, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The story of children financially supporting their immigrant parents can feed into the myth of the Asian American model minority, which, in part, stereotypes Asian Americans as obedient, hard-working and uncomplaining.
    Mike Dang, New York Times, 21 Jan. 2023
  • Queen Elizabeth II was formal, interested, uncomplaining, and always respectful.
    Caitlin Flanagan, The Atlantic, 12 Nov. 2022
Adjective
  • Considered one of the state’s best beach towns, Biloxi is known for its picturesque sand and calm waters that are protected by barrier islands just south of the beach in the Gulf of Mexico.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 23 May 2025
  • But amid all of the tears and dancing and singing, from Freed From Desire on the pitch to Natasha Bedingfield’s Unwritten in the dressing room, stood one proud, calm man.
    Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • His resigned air in the press conference felt like a man who had too much to juggle to cross over the line first.
    Tim Ellis, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
  • In recent weeks, a number of artists canceled planned appearances and resigned positions associated with the center.
    Julia Jacobs, New York Times, 24 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • But the drama can be very stolid, borderline dull at times.
    Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 24 May 2025
  • Michelle DeYoung was a somewhat stolid Herodias, Piotr Buszewski a fiercely ardent Narraboth.
    Alex Ross, New Yorker, 19 May 2025
Adjective
  • Regardless of whether their long-suffering Maple Leafs would prevail against the Panthers, this would be a memorable day for them.
    Steve Gorten, Miami Herald, 18 May 2025
  • And oh, did the long-suffering Knicks’ supporters revel in the victory.
    Tim Casey, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025
Adjective
  • But my neighbor, impassive, lethargically tapped his forefinger against his Post.
    Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 5 May 2025
  • The tone and point of view were lofty, sharp-eyed, seemingly impassive.
    Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 10 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Stoic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stoic. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

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