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 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 Jackie lets the ladies know that Phaedra may not be rejoining the group, and while Toya seems a bit bewildered, Simone remains indifferent—further solidifying the mean girl energy that Phaedra called out. —Shelby Stewart, Essence, 24 Feb. 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
  • The nonchalant nature of the talking stage can also shield individuals from rejection.
    — Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Among the many characters in the mural are: a gray cat perched in a tree; a white-and-black dog digging excitedly in the grass; a nonchalant orange cat lounging without a care; a dachshund mid-chase after a ball; and a black cat leaping into the air, back arched in dramatic flair.
    — Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Mar. 2025
Definition of nonchalant
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
Definition of satisfactory
Adjective
  • Check impartial sources such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) or the Consumer FInancial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to ensure that the feedback given to your potential debt settlement company is legitimate.
    — Víctor Rosario, Sacbee.com, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Both roles involve significant fiduciary obligations, including managing property prudently, avoiding conflicts of interest, making impartial decisions among beneficiaries, and adhering to the terms and intentions of the governing legal documents.
    — True Tamplin, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
Definition of impartial
Adjective
  • Pair it with sandals and sneakers for a casual outing, or zhuzh it up with wedges or flats for a more formal occasion.
    — Clara McMahon, People.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • These gorgeous serving spoons, with a stainless-steel base and bronze finish, are perfect for casual entertaining—and are completely dishwasher safe.
    — Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of casual
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
Definition of decent
Adjective
  • When equipped with innovative technology and supported by local health facilities, Village Health Workers play an indispensable role in meeting the primary care needs of their communities and advancing equitable care for children living with NCDs in Zimbabwe.
    — Cynthia Tully, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
  • What Doctors Can Do to Address the Inequities Healthcare providers can support patients of color by addressing their own implicit biases, working to help patients navigate equitable access to treatments, and using culturally sensitive communication, says Hurtado-Lorenzo.
    — Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Definition of equitable
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
Definition of uninterested
Adjective
  • For most ordinary owners, there's always one area of the house that could use a little TLC.
    — Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Apr. 2025
  • The group were among around 7,000 people recently released from scam centers run by criminal gangs and warlords operating along Myanmar’s border with Thailand, where many are held against their will and forced to work conning ordinary people, including American citizens, out of their life savings.
    — Teele Rebane, CNN Money, 2 Apr. 2025
Definition of ordinary

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indifference
indifferent
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Cite this Entry

“Indifferent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/indifferent. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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