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

as in blank

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 Many Labor members hope Burnham’s people skills and charisma can connect with the public more than the stolid, managerial Starmer could ever do. — Jill Lawless, Los Angeles Times, 23 June 2026 At the end of the eighteenth century, the West’s power brokers, eager to exude stolid republican virtue, abjured decoration and ornament, sparking what the British psychologist John Flügel called the Great Masculine Renunciation. — Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 26 May 2026 Kinlaw remained stolid throughout most of the public comment period and did not address calls for his resignation. — Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 21 Apr. 2026 At the outset, Martin (William Giammona) is as stolid as a piece of furniture, standing stock still at center stage, the black rectangle through which the other actors enter and exit like a deep void behind him. — Steven Winn, San Francisco Chronicle, 3 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stolid

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stolid

Adjective

The blank area, or the area not occupied by the author’s work, has almost the same importance in a book as that occupied by the ink used to print the text.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 Oct. 2026
Nearly six million people cast a blank or spoiled vote — including Alexandre Moreira, a 21-year-old university student.

— ABC News, ABC News, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of blank

Adjective

Historically, being a strong leader meant being invulnerable and stoic—showing no signs of weakness.

— Krishna Savani, Harvard Business Review, 12 Oct. 2026
After the blinding start to a decisive Game 3 against the Las Vegas Aces, after the crawl through quicksand for the rest of it, after the bloody lip and a stoic walk off the floor while cannons spit celebratory smoke into the air.

— Brian Hamilton, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of stoic

Adjective

Then, after walking for a couple of blocks, directing withering sneers at the policeman’s reddish face, which was as impassive as that of a stone idol, Gleb cooled down and succumbed to boredom.

— Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, New Yorker, 27 Sep. 2026
There are melancholic elements, including human characters that can seem lost in their thoughts — impassive and detached from the world.

— Miles Socha, Footwear News, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of impassive

Adjective

The 47-year-old, wearing a blue suit and blue tie, was expressionless as the charges against him were described.

— ABC News, ABC News, 19 May 2026
The routine calls for this chic, almost expressionless vibe — very different from a typical K-pop performance.

— Billboard Korea, Billboard, 26 Nov. 2025

Definition of expressionless

Adjective

After that adrenaline starts surging, a few motionless seconds can feel like a lifetime.

— BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026
In 1969, neurologist Oliver Sacks gave L-DOPA to patients who had spent decades nearly motionless after the encephalitis epidemic of the early 20th century.

— Mallory Green, The Conversation, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of motionless

Adjective

The story centers on a transfer student’s enigmatic bond with a teacher, as a string of unexplained, supernatural incidents cracks the school’s polished facade.

— Ophélie Surcouf, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026
He is saved by an enigmatic young mechanic who equips him with a custom mechanical arm.

— Liz Shackleton, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of enigmatic

Adjective

The legislation would strengthen the low-income housing tax credit, provide more tax help for first-time buyers and has provisions to encourage conversion of vacant offices and commercial buildings into housing.

— Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 8 Oct. 2026
Residents in Oxford Circle, Castor Gardens and surrounding neighborhoods have reported rodent issues affecting their homes, yards, businesses, vehicles, vacant properties and neighborhood spaces, the resolution says.

— Laura Fay, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of vacant

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“Stolid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stolid. Accessed 15 Oct. 2026.

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