indifference
noun
in·dif·fer·ence
in-ˈdi-f(ə-)rən(t)s 
-fərn(t)s
1
: the quality, state, or fact of being indifferent
2
a
: absence of compulsion to or toward one thing or another
b
archaic
: lack of difference or distinction between two or more things
Synonyms
Examples of indifference in a Sentence
She was amazed that some people could watch the trial with indifference.
She watched them with a cool indifference.
Recent Examples on the Web
Some of Israel’s supporters have been unwilling to acknowledge that IDF field troops and commanders have committed horrendous acts against civilians, whether due to indifference, recklessness, or vengefulness.
—
Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2024
The Clippers’ indifference to playing defense in the first 24 minutes led to the Cavaliers shooting 60.4% from the field and 50% from three-point range.
—Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 7 Apr. 2024
Nonetheless, the death of 28-year-old Catherine Susan Genovese has long remained a paradigm of urban anonymity and indifference.
—Clyde Haberman, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2024
But to his surprise, if not our own, he’s met with indifference and scorn.
—Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY, 19 Mar. 2024
Some respond with indifference to a cataclysm that’s still light-years away.
—Inkoo Kang, The New Yorker, 18 Mar. 2024
This indifference has strategic as well as moral repercussions.
—Andrew Exum, The Atlantic, 18 Mar. 2024
But, too much enthusiasm too soon can be perceived as a turn-off, leading us to adopt a facade of indifference to protect ourselves from potential rejection.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024
Yet, to many young people, the king seems to almost flaunt his indifference.
—John Eligon Joao Silva, New York Times, 17 Feb. 2024
Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2024
The Clippers’ indifference to playing defense in the first 24 minutes led to the Cavaliers shooting 60.4% from the field and 50% from three-point range.
—Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 7 Apr. 2024
Nonetheless, the death of 28-year-old Catherine Susan Genovese has long remained a paradigm of urban anonymity and indifference.
—Clyde Haberman, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2024
But to his surprise, if not our own, he’s met with indifference and scorn.
—Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY, 19 Mar. 2024
Some respond with indifference to a cataclysm that’s still light-years away.
—Inkoo Kang, The New Yorker, 18 Mar. 2024
This indifference has strategic as well as moral repercussions.
—Andrew Exum, The Atlantic, 18 Mar. 2024
But, too much enthusiasm too soon can be perceived as a turn-off, leading us to adopt a facade of indifference to protect ourselves from potential rejection.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024
Yet, to many young people, the king seems to almost flaunt his indifference.
—John Eligon Joao Silva, New York Times, 17 Feb. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'indifference.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near indifference
Cite this Entry
“Indifference.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indifference. Accessed 23 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
indifference
noun
in·dif·fer·ence
in-ˈdif-ərn(t)s
-ˈdif-(ə-)rən(t)s
1
: lack of feeling for or against something
2
: lack of importance
a matter of indifference to them
Medical Definition
indifference
noun
in·dif·fer·ence
in-ˈdif-ərn(t)s, -ˈdif-(ə-)rən(t)s
: the quality, state, or fact of being indifferent
a schizophrenic reaction accompanied by apathy and indifference
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