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 During Saturn and Pluto’s sextile, your cautious 8th house and your stolid 6th house combine delicate topics with practical know-how. —

Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 28 Mar. 2026 In the Afrikaans world of my childhood, dancing often meant the stolid vastrap (tight-step), the terrible langarm (long-arm, a two-step that desperately wants to be a one-step), or, worst of all, volkspele (national or popular games), compulsory in Afrikaans-medium state-run schools. —

Jan Steyn, The Dial, 10 Mar. 2026 The Roosevelt, a stolid 19 masonry floors, can’t compete in this new game. —

Christopher Bonanos, Curbed, 25 Feb. 2026 Even Universal’s stolid Lew Wasserman was suddenly looking for buyers and firing existing staff. —

Peter Bart, Deadline, 18 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for stolid

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stolid

Adjective

If portions of the page appear blank and an ad blocker is enabled, please disable the ad blocker and refresh the page to ensure full access to the content.

— Dom Luszczyszyn, New York Times, 27 May 2026
Drewry’s Container Capacity Insight assessment indicated that only three blank sailings have been announced on the Asia-to-Europe trade route this week, indicating higher capacity deployment to accommodate peak season cargo.

— Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 26 May 2026