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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 While seemingly indifferent, like Yi-young, Gi-on actually finds the department exciting and wants to stay. Kayti Burt, Time, 19 May 2025 There’s no music, either, to soften or ennoble proceedings, only the indifferent murmur of weather over the startling debris of human conflict, or the slow creak of a galleon on lapping waters as sailors are sent cruelly to their deaths. Guy Lodge, Variety, 28 May 2025 People were pretty indifferent to it in a funny way. Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 28 May 2025 What made Pavement so out of step with its time (and ours) was its seemingly indifferent attitude toward success. Hua Hsu, New Yorker, 19 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for indifferent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for indifferent
Adjective
  • The season’s top accessories reflect summer’s playful attitude with capsules and designs that balance nonchalant ease with an energetic and joyful spirit.
    Madeline Fass, Vogue, 3 June 2025
  • In fact, Hope’s own nonchalant attitude inspired her to share the truth.
    Hilary Lewis, HollywoodReporter, 3 June 2025
Adjective
  • Father’s Day tends to carry the rep of being a lower-key celebration, with a satisfactory time including food and beverages, maybe a clothing item, and peace and quiet.
    DeVonne Goode, Parents, 6 June 2025
  • Multiple audits — including one presented to the supervisors last month — found the company has continuously fallen short of the 90-95% compliance rate needed for a satisfactory rating.
    Jakob Rodgers, Mercury News, 6 June 2025
Adjective
  • While Congress sets the CBO’s priorities, the group prides itself on being objective, impartial, and nonpartisan.
    Nathan Goldman, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
  • Her expertise lies in building boards with the right balance of domain expertise and impartial oversight, ensuring alignment between governance and investor confidence.
    Malana VanTyler, USA Today, 5 June 2025
Adjective
  • Born from old coffee bean bags, the canvas fabric stood out on the runway, crafted as a casual option for hanging close to shorelines.
    Cassell Ferere, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025
  • The woman’s friend and the casual man spend time every few weeks, play pool, and text daily.
    Stephanie Guerilus, People.com, 7 June 2025
Adjective
  • Sales were decent, too, with more than one million copies shifted per year at the height of what quickly became a phenomenon.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 7 June 2025
  • On its own, the ICE delivers a decent if not incredible 51.4mpg (42.8mpg with US gallon).
    James Morris, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025
Adjective
  • Unfortunately, equitable access to menopause care remains inconsistent—but innovators are stepping in.
    Sophie Okolo, Forbes.com, 14 June 2025
  • Based on these considerations, the judge will determine an equitable division of the proceeds from the sale.
    Gary Singer, Sun Sentinel, 12 June 2025
Adjective
  • However, Mahomes appeared uninterested in the role when asked about it by reporters on Thursday.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 29 May 2025
  • The series stars Steve Lawrence, as a single father and head of the family Steve, who is seeking to offload his driving school business to his equally uninterested and under-qualified children, Baby Steve (Devon Taylor) and Lauren (Alexandra MacLean).
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 28 May 2025
Adjective
  • But then again … Look one more time at the last entry in the catalog of ordinary human stuff that the turtle’s shell is compared to: pottery.
    A.O. Scott, New York Times, 13 June 2025
  • JetBlue Airways flight 312 arrived from Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport around 11:55 a.m. in what passengers described as an ordinary landing.
    Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 13 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Indifferent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/indifferent. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.

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