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 Andor sets the clock back five years from the events of Rogue One to tell the story of the film’s hero, Cassian Andor, and his transformation from disinterested, cynical nobody into a rebel hero on his way to an epic destiny. —Denise Petski, Deadline, 24 Feb. 2025 Guess has formed a special committee of its independent and disinterested directors to consider the offer. —Evan Clark, WWD, 17 Mar. 2025 Because even though electric motors can pack a punch, people paying big money for super- and hypercars are increasingly disinterested in those cars being electrified. —Ars Technica, 7 Mar. 2025 Until the Suns this season started struggling, losing in Charlotte in January and dropping back-to-back games at Portland in February, looking disconnected and disinterested. —Doug Haller, New York Times, 18 Apr. 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
  • Throughout the book, ogling bystanders, nonchalant locals, and wannabes shooting their shot at stardom all add to the surrealist spectacle.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 23 May 2025
  • Over the seasons, Tamburini has been offering sleek and sophisticated designs, yet with a modern touch, fluid shapes and a sort of nonchalant attitude.
    — Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 21 May 2025
Definition of nonchalant
Adjective
  • India blamed Pakistan for backing the attackers, while Islamabad denied involvement and called for an impartial international investigation.
    — Zia ur-Rehman, New York Times, 21 May 2025
  • They were asked to fill out questionnaires gauging their familiarity with the case and ability to be fair and impartial.
    — Mark Prussin, CBS News, 12 May 2025
Definition of impartial
Adjective
  • Our expert, Tim Gideon gave it a solid review and called it a strong pick for casual, everyday use.
    — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 26 May 2025
  • While PlayStation and Xbox are huge markets for casual players, PC is where GTA Online has thrived thanks to the large scale modding community.
    — Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 26 May 2025
Definition of casual
Adjective
  • In the first few years, the unequal access to vaccines was one of the biggest challenges, with one study finding that up to half the COVID-19 deaths in many lower income countries could have been avoided with a more equitable supply of vaccines.
    — Simon Williams, Time, 21 May 2025
  • However, experts agree this is one step closer to a more equitable and accessible approach to Alzheimer’s care.
    — Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 21 May 2025
Definition of equitable
Adjective
  • He isn’t disgusted by sexuality, just innocent and uninterested.
    — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 12 May 2025
  • And very worried about our children who seem incapable and uninterested in supporting themselves.
    — R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 7 May 2025
Definition of uninterested
Adjective
  • At the center is Cooper’s staggering performance, which is enraging, emotional, horrifying, and heartbreaking in equal measure.
    — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 29 May 2025
  • Hoka has long been my go-to for sneakers that are equal parts supportive and stylish, and now one of the brand’s best-sellers, the Hoka Clifton 9 sneakers, are up to 35 percent off at Zappos in nine colorways.
    — Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 28 May 2025
Definition of equal

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disinterested
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“Disinterested.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disinterested. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

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