UNAFFECTIONATE Synonyms: 74 Similar and Opposite Words

unaffectionate

adjective

Definition of unaffectionate

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

Adjective

At the start, David seems abrasive and unloving toward his own son and altogether too inviting toward John, who is eager to take over the biographical project that Jacob was angling for.

— Stephen Farber, HollywoodReporter, 15 June 2026
Potterheads across the globe will instantly recognize Harry’s not-so-homely house on Privet Drive, his cramped excuse of a bedroom and the endless disdain oozing from the young wizard’s unloving aunt and uncle, Petunia and Vernon Dursley.

— Charlotte Reck, CNN Money, 26 Mar. 2026

Definition of unloving

Adjective

Sources, who prefer to remain anonymous to protect relationships, recognise that Spence is an introverted character who can come across as quite aloof, and that this image may not help his cause in moments like these.

— Elias Burke, New York Times, 15 July 2026
Her next film, 1941’s Two-Faced Woman, was an attempt by MGM to loosen up her famously aloof image.

— JP Mangalindan, Entertainment Weekly, 9 July 2026

Definition of aloof

Adjective

Those looking to kick a ball around or do anything at all have been forced indoors thanks to an unfriendly yellow and orange haze that’s coated the skies.

— Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 17 July 2026
He is seen as anti-business — FTSE-100 chairs and chief executives privately express horror at the idea of him as chancellor — and as market-unfriendly because he is viewed as less committed than Reeves to fiscal discipline.

— Ian King, CNBC, 15 July 2026

Definition of unfriendly

Adjective

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
This was not caused by an uncaring community, but by an overwhelming response delivered in a language and through customs different from those on full display at Latin Night.

— Rev. José Rodriguez, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 June 2026

Definition of uncaring

Adjective

Those uninterested in the South of France or the northeastern tip of Spain could enjoy the Mediterranean climate on Gothic-style rooftop terraces overlooking the lush Turkish forest.

— Katherine McLaughlin, Architectural Digest, 16 July 2026
His embrace of the legislation marked a shift for the governor, who appeared uninterested in engaging with the corporate tax proposal as recently as May.

— Naomi Taxay, Sacbee.com, 10 July 2026

Definition of uninterested

Adjective

Neill was magnetic as the ruthless CI Major Chester Campbell in Peaky Blinders—an antagonist and romantic rival of Cillian Murphy’s Tommy Shelby.

— ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 15 July 2026
Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé and Michael Olise, who has a tournament-high five assists, were also kept quiet by the ruthless Spaniards.

— Mark Hodge, NBC news, 15 July 2026

Definition of ruthless

Adjective

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
As with the others, the pitiless treatment only ends when they’re slaughtered.

— Krista Kafer, Denver Post, 18 May 2026

Definition of pitiless

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unaffecting

unaffectionate

unaffiliated

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“Unaffectionate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unaffectionate. Accessed 21 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of unaffectionate

adjective

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