indifference

noun

Synonyms of indifference
1
: the quality, state, or fact of being indifferent
was shocked by their indifference to the issue
struggles that were treated with indifference by the government
2
a
: absence of compulsion to or toward one thing or another
observed with cool indifference
b
archaic : lack of difference or distinction between two or more things

Synonyms of indifference

Examples of indifference in a Sentence

She was amazed that some people could watch the trial with indifference. She watched them with a cool indifference.
Recent Examples on the Web
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Of course, his recognition of the visceral power of live music and directly connecting with an audience makes his indifference to AI all the more baffling. — Terrence O'Brien, The Verge, 18 Oct. 2026 Constitutional protections against cruel and unusual punishment prohibit deliberate indifference to prisoners’ medical needs. — Jaquelyn Jahn, The Conversation, 16 Oct. 2026 His household becomes a microcosm of a broader societal moral decay, fuelled by detachment, indifference, corruption, complacency and the pursuit of comfort. — Katherine Brodsky, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026 Then again, the creature’s indifference suggests there may be no deeper meaning available. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for indifference

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of indifference was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Indifference.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indifference. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

Kids Definition

indifference

noun
in·​dif·​fer·​ence in-ˈdif-ərn(t)s How to pronounce indifference (audio)
-ˈdif-(ə-)rən(t)s
1
: lack of feeling for or against something
2
: lack of importance
a matter of indifference to them

Medical Definition

: the quality, state, or fact of being indifferent
a schizophrenic reaction accompanied by apathy and indifference

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