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 Trump was indifferent or outright hostile to many Big Tech companies in his first term and most of his campaign. —Axios, 13 Feb. 2025 The world is simply indifferent to Lucy’s existence. —Issy Van Der Velde, Rolling Stone, 20 Feb. 2025 Yet Americans — and businesses — have a generally positive to at least indifferent view on the subject. —Emily Peck, Axios, 17 Jan. 2025 With Ricardo Pereira still out of action until March at the earliest, Leicester have been left with James Justin at right-back but he has also been targeted by disgruntled fans after some indifferent displays this season, sapping his confidence. —Rob Tanner, The Athletic, 16 Jan. 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
  • Ray fluctuates more, is nonchalant about a few things, which drives me nuts.
    — Bobby Narang, Chicago Tribune, 28 Feb. 2025
  • At the meeting, Hanes seemed oddly nonchalant, exuding the air of an overconfident salesman.
    — David Yaffe-Bellany, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2025
Definition of nonchalant
Adjective
  • While the overall atmosphere and design of the restaurant are aesthetically pleasing, the menu is just as satisfactory.
    — Lydia Mansel, Southern Living, 25 Feb. 2025
  • Employees in Idaho and across the U.S. say their termination letters blamed their performance despite histories of satisfactory reviews.
    — Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 20 Feb. 2025
Definition of satisfactory
Adjective
  • What happened to being committed to the impartial pursuit of justice, without regard to political affiliation or motivation and without fear or favor?
    — Peter Arbeeny, New York Daily News, 1 Mar. 2025
  • The plaintiffs argue that this directive undermines the FEC's bipartisan structure, established to ensure impartial enforcement of federal campaign finance laws.
    — Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 28 Feb. 2025
Definition of impartial
Adjective
  • Network executives might complain, and casual viewers may go to bed, but these are not the factors that determine the Oscars’ success — in the here and now, or in the long term.
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 3 Mar. 2025
  • Even far more casual runners, cyclists, and gym-goers—anyone who’s active—can underfuel too, McConville says.
    — Cindy Kuzma, SELF, 3 Mar. 2025
Definition of casual
Adjective
  • Blessedly, Tucci and Esposito infuse their cheesier character moments with a decent dose of sincerity to blunt the edges.
    — Courtney Howard, Variety, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Baker, who resides in Los Angeles, can’t get a decent catfish to save her life.
    — Abigail Covington, Rolling Stone, 7 Mar. 2025
Definition of decent
Adjective
  • Provide a solid mix of informal and formal mentorship programs for a work culture that empowers employees and creates a more equitable and fulfilling workplace for all.
    — Tara Fitzpatrick-Navarro, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
  • The mission of the foundation is to open doors, break barriers and build a more equitable, inclusive industry for creatives of color, all in pursuit of this limitless future that Virgil believed so deeply in.
    — Lisa Lockwood, WWD, 26 Feb. 2025
Definition of equitable
Adjective
  • Denmark is uninterested in selling Greenland, and the territory’s largely indigenous population is wary of outside powers—a legacy of the island’s brutal history under Danish rule.
    — Michael Albertus, Foreign Affairs, 4 Mar. 2025
  • While the Fongs are third-generation owners, their children are doctors and engineers uninterested in taking over the family business.
    — Benjy Egel, Sacramento Bee, 11 Feb. 2025
Definition of uninterested
Adjective
  • These are taxed at different (typically lower) rates than ordinary income.
    — Heather L. Locus, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
  • Experts will appreciate them; ordinary users can ignore them.
    — PCMAG, PCMAG, 7 Mar. 2025
Definition of ordinary

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Cite this Entry

“Indifferent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/indifferent. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

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