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 Kyiv was openly indifferent to the smooth running of Putin’s parade. —Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 9 May 2025 Imagine launching an ad campaign and within minutes knowing whether the audience feels excited, confused or indifferent. —Boris Dzhingarov, Forbes.com, 7 May 2025 The attention economy is controlled by tech platforms that are indifferent, if not outright hostile, to quality journalism. —Jessica Sibley, Time, 19 May 2025 Safety concerns are indifferent to days of the week, and increased awareness of the general and hunting public of each other’s presence and enjoyment of the outdoors are already well established in the state. —Brandon Gleason, Hartford Courant, 16 May 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
  • 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
  • However, the conditions are not satisfactory to all.
    — Bailey Richards, People.com, 21 May 2025
  • The tablet also supports Dolby Atmos sound, and while the stereo separation is satisfactory, don't expect to be surrounded by the audio.
    — PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 21 May 2025
Definition of satisfactory
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
  • But the Tar Heel state has a decent amount of talent this year, and UNC does not appear to be in position to take advantage of it.
    — Grace Raynor, New York Times, 30 May 2025
  • Reading these reports alongs with your own research can give you a decent idea of which cruise ships are doing the most to reduce their impact.
    — Lea Lane, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
Definition of decent
Adjective
  • The result is a more agile, inclusive and resilient workforce where employees have equitable access to growth.
    — Abakar Saidov, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
  • These days — at least on Friday nights — the space offers musicians an equitable spotlight.
    — Erick Galindo, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 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
  • Stephen King’s novella about three chapters in the life of an ordinary man named Charles Krantz.
    — Andrew Torgan, CNN Money, 1 June 2025
  • In other words, Catherine is a nice, ordinary middle-class English girl.
    — Adelle Waldman, New Yorker, 31 May 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 6 Jun. 2025.

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