Synonyms of stolid

stolid

adjective

ˈstä-ləd 

1

as in blank

not expressing any emotion

the butler responded to the duchess's constant demands with stolid indifference

Synonyms & Similar Words

• blank
• impassive
• expressionless
• enigmatic
• motionless
• vacant
• empty
• dull
• enigmatical
• catatonic
• inexpressive
• vague
• deadpan
• numb
• restrained
• detached
• mysterious
• wooden
• static
• inscrutable
• vacuous
• vapid
• impenetrable
• phlegmatic
• reserved
• aloof
• still
• cold
• indifferent
• taciturn
• reticent
• unresponsive
• apathetic
• cool

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• expressive
• demonstrative
• engaged
• active
• dynamic
• responsive
• interested
• energetic
• lively
• exuberant
• vivacious
• busy
• expansive
• bright
• effervescent
• alive
• animated
• eloquent
• revealing
• revelatory
• emotional
• gestural
• theatrical
• melodramatic
• unrestrained
• unreserved
• gestic
• theatric
• gesticulatory
• gesticulative
• gesticulant

2

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

• stoic
• stoical
• bland
• phlegmatic
• passionless
• calm
• impassive
• enigmatical
• unemotional
• emotionless
• undemonstrative
• enigmatic
• apathetic
• detached
• numb
• affectless
• impassible
• dry
• cold-blooded
• empty
• composed
• collected
• dispassionate
• reserved
• unmoved
• imperturbable
• cold
• wooden
• unflappable
• taciturn
• expressionless
• blank
• inexpressive
• deadpan
• cool
• aloof
• inscrutable
• vacant
• reticent
• stone-faced
• unsentimental
• impersonal
• indifferent
• pitiless
• objective
• unresponsive
• unconcerned
• impenetrable
• bloodless
• thoughtless
• straight-faced
• unfeeling
• inconsiderate
• hard-hearted
• insensible

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• emotional
• passionate
• fervent
• impassioned
• demonstrative
• vehement
• fervid
• enthusiastic
• fiery
• ardent
• zealous
• passional
• burning
• sentimental
• red-hot
• flaming
• blazing
• glowing
• dramatic
• sympathetic
• hot-blooded
• mawkish
• mushy
• melodramatic
• responsive
• compassionate
• histrionic
• warm-blooded
• reactive
• sensitive
• gung ho
• maudlin
• perfervid
• gushing
• overemotional
• overheated

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

Recent Examples of stolid

Chris is young and eager to impress; Duncan, who’s being reluctantly put out to pasture after this last mission, is jokey and irreverent (not a stretch for Harrelson); and Dave is ultra-serious, conveying authority through his stolid demeanor. —Frank Scheck, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019

Blink Twice nods at a tangle of different contemporary ailments: lifestyle fetishism, wellness hedonism, our obscene fealty to stolid tech bros and their untrammeled wealth. —Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 6 Dec. 2024

Allies say Starmer’s stolid exterior hides a steely ambition and a determination to win. —Jill Lawless, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 May 2024

Its plot is as clever as its imagination is stolid, its subjects are as serious as its approach to them is bland. —Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2024

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