indifference

noun

in·​dif·​fer·​ence in-ˈdi-f(ə-)rən(t)s How to pronounce indifference (audio)
-fərn(t)s
Synonyms of indifference
1
: the quality, state, or fact of being indifferent
was shocked by their indifference to the issue
struggles that were treated with indifference by the government
2
a
: absence of compulsion to or toward one thing or another
observed with cool indifference
b
archaic : lack of difference or distinction between two or more things

Synonyms of indifference

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
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.
The contrast between the love for Jimenez and the indifference towards almost everyone else underlined the scale of the task. Steve Madeley, New York Times, 18 May 2026 The defense called just one witness – an expert in education administration and school safety who testified Parker did not breach professional standards or act with indifference. Cindy Von Quednow, CNN Money, 18 May 2026 Long Beach Pride, established in October 1983, produced the first annual festival and parade the following year, at the height of the AIDS crisis and during an era when communities often organized in the face of political indifference. Los Angeles Times, 17 May 2026 That pattern — a difficult first day, an easier second, and indifference by the end — is part of why operators recommend stays of at least three nights for a meaningful digital detox. Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 16 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for indifference

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of indifference was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Indifference.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indifference. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

indifference

noun
in·​dif·​fer·​ence in-ˈdif-ərn(t)s How to pronounce indifference (audio)
-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 How to pronounce indifference (audio)
: the quality, state, or fact of being indifferent
a schizophrenic reaction accompanied by apathy and indifference

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