Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective unconcerned contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of unconcerned are aloof, detached, disinterested, incurious, and indifferent. While all these words mean "not showing or feeling interest," unconcerned suggests a lack of sensitivity or regard for others' needs or troubles.

unconcerned about the homeless

When might aloof be a better fit than unconcerned?

The words aloof and unconcerned are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, aloof suggests a cool reserve arising from a sense of superiority or disdain for inferiors or from shyness.

aloof from his coworkers

When would detached be a good substitute for unconcerned?

While in some cases nearly identical to unconcerned, detached implies an objective attitude achieved through absence of prejudice or selfishness.

observed family gatherings with detached amusement

When is disinterested a more appropriate choice than unconcerned?

The meanings of disinterested and unconcerned largely overlap; however, disinterested implies a circumstantial freedom from concern for personal or especially financial advantage that enables one to judge or advise without bias.

judged by a panel of disinterested observers

In what contexts can incurious take the place of unconcerned?

The synonyms incurious and unconcerned are sometimes interchangeable, but incurious implies an inability to take a normal interest due to dullness of mind or to self-centeredness.

incurious about the world

When can indifferent be used instead of unconcerned?

While the synonyms indifferent and unconcerned are close in meaning, indifferent implies neutrality of attitude from lack of inclination, preference, or prejudice.

indifferent to the dictates of fashion

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 unconcerned Using brands without permission rarely escalates to a lawsuit due to fair use protections, which is why networks like HBO seem unconcerned about brand backlash. Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 15 Aug. 2025 At the July 28 meeting, councilmembers appeared unconcerned about the ongoing cost. Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 6 Aug. 2025 Payton, though, seemed unconcerned. Luca Evans, Denver Post, 4 Aug. 2025 The show starts at 6. Birbiglia munches away unconcerned. Kelly Stout, Rolling Stone, 25 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for unconcerned
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unconcerned
Adjective
  • No wonder Trump is nonchalant about shutdown.
    Chris Brennan, USA Today, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Is this the most nonchalant big play of the high school season so far?
    Grace Raynor, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Team it with ballet flats or sneakers for a casual day of apple-picking or tailgating this fall, or dress it up with tights and boots for holiday celebrations and other special occasions.
    Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 28 Sep. 2025
  • The teal stood out in the parade of super-casual fits.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 28 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Many love to have the carefree candor of the vox populi intrude in celebrity circles where prohibitive media training and wellness blather pass for personality.
    Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2025
  • That could be why his inspiration this season draws, maybe wistfully, from his carefree childhood summers growing up in West London’s Wormwood Scrubs.
    Violet Goldstone, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • In later snaps, the Iron Man actress modeled several more outfits — including a classic black halter-neck dress, a relaxed fit gray T-shirt dress with short sleeves paired with black slip-on sandals, and two black-and-white looks.
    Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Even when Kerr and Staples get in an argument that frighteningly escalates, both Blunt and Johnson maintain their relaxed equilibrium.
    Richard Lawson, Rolling Stone, 1 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Unconcerned.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unconcerned. Accessed 4 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on unconcerned

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