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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 Even more amusing is the phenomenon of previously indifferent relatives suddenly remembering their deep and abiding affection for the deceased once an estate is at stake. Ashley Case, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025 Couldn’t be me; there’s liberation in being made small by indifferent expanses. Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 28 Mar. 2025 Finding yourself constantly excited about your side project while feeling indifferent about your day job signals a meaningful shift in what truly matters to you. Caroline Castrillon, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025 Corporate America’s embrace of LGBTQ+ rights was the result of decades of protests and boycotts from LGBTQ+ activists that transformed once indifferent, even hostile, companies into powerful allies. Jessica Guynn, USA TODAY, 20 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for indifferent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for indifferent
Adjective
  • Instead, the reaction in Washington has been remarkably nonchalant, illustrating how thoroughly expectations of leader authenticity have eroded.
    Nate Bennett, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
  • And Sean was so, nonchalant about it.
    Outside Online, Outside Online, 5 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The sound from the optional Bose 12-speaker upgrade is satisfactory.
    Josh Max, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Yet a great deal remained to be paid with funds expected after the submission of satisfactory progress reports.
    Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 30 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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
Adjective
  • Switzerland Inn is a great place to go for breakfast, lunch, or dinner thanks to several dining options that range from casual to upscale.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 13 Apr. 2025
  • The restaurant is also open in a more casual setting for breakfast and lunch.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 13 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Both of these teams are off to decent starts, as Detroit leads the AL Central and the Yanks have, ahem, torpedoeed their way to a 6-5 record thus far.
    Chris Branch, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025
  • At least, thanks to a decent selection of ports, both machines will easily work with the usual Mac accessories, and both models are outfitted with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The Culture community aimed at creating equitable business pathways for Black and Brown professionals.
    Brianne Garrett, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Like his Secretary of State, Cordell Hull, who spearheaded trade reform, Roosevelt understood that tariffs were a tax on poor and working Americans and regarded the use of the progressive income tax as a much more equitable—and economically advantageous—means of raising revenue.
    Time, Time, 12 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Most students arrive uninterested and even annoyed at having to take a class outside their major.
    The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 25 Mar. 2025
  • Of course, some people may be uninterested in engagement and want only to promote a single viewpoint.
    Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • During ordinary times, this accommodation would reflect an appropriate respect for the constitutional separation of powers.
    Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Inevitably, skipping ordinary procedural checks, the administration made at least one mistake in deporting Abrego Garcia, and probably many others.
    The Editors, National Review, 14 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Indifferent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/indifferent. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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