indifferent

adjective

in-ˈdi-f(ə-)rənt How to pronounce indifferent (audio)
Definition of indifferentnext
1
as in nonchalant
having or showing a lack of interest or concern indifferent about the result of the football game

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in satisfactory
of average to below average quality an indifferent but drinkable cup of coffee

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in impartial
marked by justice, honesty, and freedom from bias they believed their art teacher could offer an indifferent judgment on their works' merits

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective indifferent contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of indifferent are aloof, detached, disinterested, incurious, and unconcerned. While all these words mean "not showing or feeling interest," indifferent implies neutrality of attitude from lack of inclination, preference, or prejudice.

indifferent to the dictates of fashion

In what contexts can aloof take the place of indifferent?

Although the words aloof and indifferent have much in common, 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 indifferent?

The synonyms detached and indifferent are sometimes interchangeable, but detached implies an objective attitude achieved through absence of prejudice or selfishness.

observed family gatherings with detached amusement

When can disinterested be used instead of indifferent?

The words disinterested and indifferent can be used in similar contexts, but 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 is it sensible to use incurious instead of indifferent?

While the synonyms incurious and indifferent are close in meaning, incurious implies an inability to take a normal interest due to dullness of mind or to self-centeredness.

incurious about the world

When might unconcerned be a better fit than indifferent?

In some situations, the words unconcerned and indifferent are roughly equivalent. However, 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 indifferent Companies that are seen as inflexible or indifferent to employee needs often struggle to attract top talent. —Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025 Notoriously indifferent to anyone on the wrong side of the 25-54 demo, advertisers eat this stuff up with a spork. —Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 7 Mar. 2025 Whatever the case, Bao Li himself seemed entirely indifferent to politics. —Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 6 Apr. 2025 Only in the unlikely case that consumers are indifferent to price increases will prices rise by the full tariff amount. —Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for indifferent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for indifferent
  1. nonchalant
  2. satisfactory
  3. impartial
  4. casual
  5. decent
  6. equitable
  7. uninterested
  8. ordinary
Adjective
  • Their dominance was complete and almost nonchalant.
    — Michael Walker, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Sure, your cat may look rather nonchalant about it.
    — Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Definition of nonchalant
Adjective
  • The surgery was difficult due to Bolsonaro’s prior surgeries and stab wound, but Sunday’s procedure did not have unexpected complications and the result was satisfactory, doctors said, adding that hospital visits for now should be limited to family.
    — Reuters, CNN Money, 14 Apr. 2025
  • According to the complaint, Combs allegedly said the act wasn’t satisfactory and threatened Doe with violence afterward.
    — Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 28 Mar. 2025
Definition of satisfactory
Adjective
  • The surprise move marked another unexpected twist in a long-running drama at the state Capitol as the state’s electric utilities battle fiercely against Gillett, a Simsbury attorney who critics say acts like a consumer advocate instead of an impartial utility regulator.
    — Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Most golf fans with no real allegiance were rooting for McIlroy to complete the Slam after more than a decade of failures at Augusta National, just as most impartial baseball fans rooted for the 2016 Cubs to beat Cleveland and end their 107-year championship drought.
    — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 15 Apr. 2025
Definition of impartial
Adjective
  • The Retreat Linen Top and matching Mid-rise Shorts, both over 40 percent off, can be styled together for a polished resort outfit or worn separately with basics for casual, everyday wear.
    — Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 20 Apr. 2025
  • As the Sunday evening set’s start time lingered over his head, Junior H traded his casual, pink jersey for an all-white outfit that would contrast his band’s all-black attire.
    — Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 19 Apr. 2025
Definition of casual
Adjective
  • The former Washington Husky has had a decent start to his 2025 season.
    — Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Thus far, Wall Street has had a decent start to the first-quarter earnings season.
    — Sarah Min, CNBC, 24 Apr. 2025
Definition of decent
Adjective
  • Gender equity creates greater economies, improved communities and a more equitable world.
    — Shikha Bajaj, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Again this year, Albany’s policymakers are choosing to ignore the constitutional promise of adequate and equitable school funding.
    — Michael A. Rebell, New York Daily News, 25 Apr. 2025
Definition of equitable
Adjective
  • Confused and clearly uninterested, Benson shut his advances down — but not before Stabler temporarily came to and took a clear side in the brisket conversation.
    — Alex Ross, People.com, 18 Apr. 2025
  • My best guess for why HBO is airing it second is that most people hearing the subject will either be uninterested or know the details already, in which case: Why bother?
    — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 15 Apr. 2025
Definition of uninterested
Adjective
  • So refreshing to see out of ordinary kitchen design.
    — Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Oliver is closer to ordinary than dominant on a game-by-game basis, while DeWayne Carter was a healthy scratch in the playoffs.
    — Tim Graham, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025
Definition of ordinary

Browse Nearby Words

indifference
indifferent
indifferently
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Indifferent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/indifferent. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

Copy Citation

Share

More from Merriam-Webster on indifferent

Nglish: Translation of indifferent for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Words You Always Have to Look Up

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Words in Disguise: Do these seem familiar?

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

8 Words with Fascinating Histories

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE

More Words with Remarkable Origins

Terroir, Oenophile, & Magnum: Ten Words About Wine

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments
See More

Popular

See More

Words You Always Have to Look Up

8 Words with Fascinating Histories

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Word Game Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
artwork of illustrated limes with the text limes and smile with an arrow connecting the two words
Quiz: Spot the Anagram! Scramble these words to find new words with the e...
See All