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unaffectionate

adjective

Definition of unaffectionatenext
as in unloving

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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 unaffectionate By widening the lens, Clark is able to redirect the book’s gaze from the mother toward a quizzical, sometimes critical, but not unaffectionate portrait of two generations of political activism, with the attendant self-involvement and domestic negligence. — James Wood, New Yorker, 4 May 2026 Seward says Diana told her about her ex-husband's unaffectionate childhood with parents Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip. — Simon Perry, PEOPLE.com, 21 Sep. 2020 Kyung, a Korean-American, grew up financially comfortable — surrounded by tutors, music lessons and other markers of success — but in loveless, unaffectionate surroundings. — Joumana Khatib, New York Times, 11 May 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unaffectionate
  1. unloving
  2. aloof
  3. unfriendly
  4. uncaring
  5. indifferent
  6. uninterested
  7. ruthless
  8. pitiless
Adjective
  • If God is divine Love itself, then hatred, fear, and unloving behavior cannot originate in His likeness.
    — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Most of the other relationships in the movie are hopelessly corrupted or poisoned in some way, as Letty moves between an unloving mother and a vengeful former lover, and others whose closeness is a weapon to be feared.
    — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 28 July 2026
Definition of unloving
Adjective
  • Several people, including Simonton, described Allen as aloof from his workers.
    — Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Legalism emphasized that leaders should remain aloof from the governed.
    — Orville Schell, Foreign Affairs, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of aloof
Adjective
  • At the same time, even transgender activists are divided over supporting Democrats who have positions that are unfriendly to transgender people.
    — Steve Peoples, Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2026
  • And it has been noticed, in friendly and unfriendly quarters.
    — Robert Stone, Rolling Stone, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of unfriendly
Adjective
  • However, his team describes Fred as a tyrant, who is uncaring and belligerent and micro-manages everything.
    — Mary Crossan, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
  • Other scholars, however, downplay the book’s diablerie, viewing the Pequod’s captain instead as an admirably heroic overreacher or a latter-day Prometheus facing down the gods, fate, the uncaring universe.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 July 2026
Definition of uncaring
Adjective
  • There’s expert work also from Pyle as a careworn law enforcement officer unable to remain indifferent to the taking of another life in the name of the law.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Kingsley loves Saffron fiercely, unlike the indifferent Alvaro; Lara is a natural caregiver, nurturing Alvaro in ways that Saffron never could.
    — Katie Rife, IndieWire, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of indifferent
Adjective
  • For some, the experience seemed to reinforce their feeling that the political system is broken — or, at least, uninterested in them.
    — Esther King, The Dial, 15 Sep. 2026
  • More disappointing, and more baffling, is how completely uninterested Practical Magic 2 is in the next generation of Owens girls.
    — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of uninterested
Adjective
  • Within hours, their yacht vanishes, Matt is abducted by a gang of ruthless pirates led by Langbore (Copley), and paradise becomes a trap.
    — Alex Ritman, Variety, 14 Sep. 2026
  • Arsenal created more than enough to help themselves to a bunch of goals in Naples, only to get stuck in anti-ruthless mode.
    — Amy Lawrence, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of ruthless
Adjective
  • About two months after his testimony, Pujo’s report mapped out in pitiless detail all the interrelationships between Morgan and his small network of industrialists.
    — Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 7 Sep. 2026
  • Nilsson’s depiction of bodies past their prime conjures not the pitiless naturalism of Joan Semmel or Alice Neel, but something friskier, more delighted.
    — Jeremy Lybarger, Artforum, 2 June 2026
Definition of pitiless

Browse Nearby Words

unaffecting
unaffectionate
unaffiliated
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Cite this Entry

“Unaffectionate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unaffectionate. Accessed 22 Sep. 2026.

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