STOLID Synonyms: 128 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of stolid are apathetic , impassive , phlegmatic , and stoic . While all these words mean "unresponsive to something that might normally excite interest or emotion," stolid implies a habitual absence of interest, responsiveness, or curiosity. // stolid workers wedded to routine

Q: In what contexts can 'apathetic' take the place of 'stolid'?

The synonyms apathetic and stolid are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 'stolid'?

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

Q: When could 'phlegmatic' be used to replace 'stolid'?

While the synonyms phlegmatic and stolid are close in meaning, phlegmatic implies a temperament or constitution hard to arouse. // a phlegmatic man unmoved by tears

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

The meanings of stoic and stolid 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

stolid

adjective

ˈstä-ləd

Definition of stolid next

as in blank

not expressing any emotion the butler responded to the duchess's constant demands with stolid indifference

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in stoic

not feeling or showing emotion the actor's turn as a stolid, impersonal bureaucrat was an interesting departure from his more impassioned roles

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word stolid distinct from other similar adjectives?

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

stolid workers wedded to routine

In what contexts can apathetic take the place of stolid?

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

charitable appeals met an apathetic response

When would impassive be a good substitute for stolid?

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

met the news with an impassive look

When could phlegmatic be used to replace stolid?

While the synonyms phlegmatic and stolid are close in meaning, phlegmatic implies a temperament or constitution hard to arouse.

a phlegmatic man unmoved by tears

Where would stoic be a reasonable alternative to stolid?

The meanings of stoic and stolid 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

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 stolid Though deBessonet’s production strips away a lot of the bunting, Ragtime has a stolid and demonstrative core and an educational tone worthy of EPCOT. —

Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2025 That there is, in fact, a mysticism engrained within the stolid, that the compulsion to produce isn’t inconsistent with inspiration, but an extension of it? —

Literary Hub, 21 July 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for stolid

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stolid

Adjective

Dawson instead showed up at Cubs’ spring training in ’87 and made the most famous gambit in free agent history — offering the team a blank contract to sign him.

— Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 11 Mar. 2026
But there was more blank space to fill in on Issei’s end, with Season 2 swapping out fantasy sequences in Camille’s mind palace for Issei’s visions of black-and-white moonscapes to that effect.

— Alison Herman, Variety, 11 Mar. 2026