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

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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 However, feeling disconnected to or indifferent about your baby can also be a symptom of postpartum depression. —Lauryn Higgins, Parents, 7 July 2025 Harvard is far from indifferent on this issue and strongly disagrees with the government's findings. —June 30, CBS News, 30 June 2025 Van Aert has outperformed Van der Poel at Grand Tours, with the Belgian reminding the world of his innate class at May’s Giro d’Italia despite two years of indifferent form. —Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 3 July 2025 This was for people who were indifferent to their lawns, not wanting to put much effort into maintaining them. —Chris McKeown, The Enquirer, 2 July 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
  • On vacation, Nicola Peltz styled hers in a breezy, nonchalant way, with a black tank and yellow paisley-print skirt.
    — Christian Allaire, Vogue, 23 July 2025
  • The collection’s journey touched down in Argentina, the Scottish Highlands, as well as New Zealand and Australia, home of its merino wool, for a refined traveler’s wardrobe crafted from top-notch fabrications exuding nonchalant sophistication.
    — Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 8 July 2025
Definition of nonchalant
Adjective
  • One factor that now seems to ensure a satisfactory resolution for both parties is the resurrection of the NFL’s interest in taking an equity stake in ESPN, rumors of which first began circulating in early 2024.
    — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 25 July 2025
  • The plane’s fuel was tested and found to be of satisfactory quality, and no significant bird activity is observed in the vicinity of the flight path, according to the report.
    — Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 12 July 2025
Definition of satisfactory
Adjective
  • Restructuring sounds proactive; business optimization sounds strategic; and a focus on cost structures feels impartial.
    — Kevin Williams, CNBC, 20 July 2025
  • While representing a 26-year-old Shoshone County woman accused in 2014 of suffocating her boyfriend’s 22-month-old child, Taylor succeeded in getting the trial moved to Kootenai County out of concern of seating an impartial jury.
    — Kevin Fixler, Idaho Statesman, 17 July 2025
Definition of impartial
Adjective
  • Guests can choose from a variety of pastries and breakfast foods, coffee and more to keep things casual, or order from their selection of cocktails and wine.
    — Ramal Nasim July 25, Kansas City Star, 25 July 2025
  • Popups and its popular Sunday Suppers offer another avenue for more casual dining.
    — Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 25 July 2025
Definition of casual
Adjective
  • There’s a decent chance the Dolphins will need Wilson early in the season and late.
    — Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 15 July 2025
  • The transparency mode is decent and keeps your surroundings sounding natural.
    — Prakhar Khanna, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
Definition of decent
Adjective
  • Walsh adds that these issues won’t be solved without more equitable access to childcare for working-class families.
    — ​Wendy Wisner, Parents, 21 July 2025
  • The fact is that allowing customer data to flow, under an equitable arrangement, is good not only for banks and fintechs but for society as a whole.
    — David G.W. Birch, Forbes.com, 20 July 2025
Definition of equitable
Adjective
  • The combination of e-commerce and decline in shoppers led to a rise in vacant retail space, McShane said, leaving banks uninterested in financing new shopping stores.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 21 July 2025
  • And surveys have consistently shown that young people are uninterested in entering the manufacturing sector.
    — Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 26 June 2025
Definition of uninterested
Adjective
  • Our party wants to give ordinary workers a raise by raising the living wage.
    — Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 July 2025
  • Compared to some of the towering figures in the history of the Catholic Church, Solanus Casey at first seems quite ordinary.
    — Maya Bell, jsonline.com, 18 July 2025
Definition of ordinary

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indifference
indifferent
indifferently
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Cite this Entry

“Indifferent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/indifferent. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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