disinterested

adjective

(ˌ)dis-ˈin-trə-stəd How to pronounce disinterested (audio)
Definition of disinterestednext
1
as in nonchalant
having or showing a lack of interest or concern the city's philistines, naturally disinterested in art, voted to cut the museum's budget

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in impartial
marked by justice, honesty, and freedom from bias a judge who is widely respected for his disinterested decisions

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective disinterested contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of disinterested are aloof, detached, incurious, indifferent, and unconcerned. While all these words mean "not showing or feeling interest," 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

When can aloof be used instead of disinterested?

The words aloof and disinterested 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 could detached be used to replace disinterested?

The words detached and disinterested can be used in similar contexts, but detached implies an objective attitude achieved through absence of prejudice or selfishness.

observed family gatherings with detached amusement

When is incurious a more appropriate choice than disinterested?

In some situations, the words incurious and disinterested are roughly equivalent. However, incurious implies an inability to take a normal interest due to dullness of mind or to self-centeredness.

incurious about the world

In what contexts can indifferent take the place of disinterested?

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

indifferent to the dictates of fashion

When might unconcerned be a better fit than disinterested?

The synonyms unconcerned and disinterested are sometimes interchangeable, but unconcerned suggests a lack of sensitivity or regard for others' needs or troubles.

unconcerned about the homeless

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 disinterested This might have been an attempt to go after a nature-of-storytelling tale like The Princess Bride, but the two leads have zero chemistry and Reiner’s execution is clunky and disinterested. —Will Leitch, Vulture, 16 Dec. 2025 The story of their formation and success in the face of disinterested record labels and hostile press inspired MacMahon that their preparation paid off. —Fred Topel, Deadline, 7 Dec. 2025 As for why the market was ultimately disinterested in investing, Brown pointed to larger industry dynamics. —Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 30 Oct. 2025 Lyra’s quest to understand Dust brings her into confrontation with human and other worldly forces who champion moral absolutism over imagination, ignorance over knowledge, authoritarianism over free will and cold, disinterested rationality over empathy. —Literary Hub, 17 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for disinterested
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disinterested
  1. nonchalant
  2. impartial
  3. casual
  4. equitable
  5. uninterested
  6. equal
Adjective
  • Petite and low-slung, the armless silhouette and oversized pillow cushions feel nonchalant but not sloppy, and can easily bring some dynamic energy to more formal living room seating layouts.
    — Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 22 Jan. 2026
  • Her nonchalant, soft-glam is so perfectly mesmerizing, my TikTok and social media feeds are flooded with tutorials trying to re-create her signature style.
    — Kaitlin Clapinski, InStyle, 8 Jan. 2026
Definition of nonchalant
Adjective
  • In a motion filed Friday, defense attorneys argued that publicity surrounding the case has so permeated Summit County that seating an impartial jury is no longer realistic.
    — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 7 Feb. 2026
  • Defense attorney Leah Gillis countered that limiting such discussions would chill candor and undermine the goal of an impartial jury.
    — Ryan Macasero, Mercury News, 6 Feb. 2026
Definition of impartial
Adjective
  • The pair leaned in close for a casual selfie, sharing the beach day with her followers.
    — Danielle Minnetian, FOXNews.com, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Locking that feature risks alienating casual users who rely on free access.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 9 Feb. 2026
Definition of casual
Adjective
  • Health care should be effective, safe, people-centered, timely, equitable, integrated, efficient as well as affordable — not dependent on employment status or political swings.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 5 Feb. 2026
  • The council also concluded that, if there was interest in exceeding the 10-week limit, playhouse officials and the city manager could work out an arrangement that would be equitable for all.
    — Erika I. Ritchie, Oc Register, 4 Feb. 2026
Definition of equitable
Adjective
  • Others are single and uninterested in having children.
    — Annalisa Merelli, STAT, 2 Feb. 2026
  • The assignment is to sit there and talk about it in public and possibly embarrass yourself by getting into a verbal confrontation in front of a restaurant of otherwise uninterested bystanders.
    — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 30 Jan. 2026
Definition of uninterested
Adjective
  • When looking at Mound, Richardson, Lanana, for example, a viewer can focus on how it is divided into three equal parts from left to right, or on its alternating light-and-dark grid of diamonds, or on the smallest, 9-by-9 grid of stitched squares.
    — Benjamin Lima Special Contributor, Dallas Morning News, 7 Feb. 2026
  • Women deserve an equal playing field.
    — Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 7 Feb. 2026
Definition of equal

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disinterested
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Cite this Entry

“Disinterested.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disinterested. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of disinterested for Spanish Speakers

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