apathetic

adjective

ˌa-pə-ˈthe-tik How to pronounce apathetic (audio)
Definition of apatheticnext
1
as in nonchalant
having or showing a lack of interest or concern people of conscience cannot be apathetic about the great suffering in this world

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in stoic
not feeling or showing emotion gave nothing more than an apathetic gaze to his interrogators

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word apathetic distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of apathetic are impassive, phlegmatic, stoic, and stolid. While all these words mean "unresponsive to something that might normally excite interest or emotion," apathetic may imply a puzzling or deplorable indifference or inertness.

charitable appeals met an apathetic response

Where would impassive be a reasonable alternative to apathetic?

The meanings of impassive and apathetic largely overlap; however, impassive stresses the absence of any external sign of emotion in action or facial expression.

met the news with an impassive look

When can phlegmatic be used instead of apathetic?

In some situations, the words phlegmatic and apathetic are roughly equivalent. However, phlegmatic implies a temperament or constitution hard to arouse.

a phlegmatic man unmoved by tears

When might stoic be a better fit than apathetic?

The words stoic and apathetic are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, stoic implies an apparent indifference to pleasure or especially to pain often as a matter of principle or self-discipline.

was resolutely stoic even in adversity

When is stolid a more appropriate choice than apathetic?

The words stolid and apathetic can be used in similar contexts, but stolid implies a habitual absence of interest, responsiveness, or curiosity.

stolid workers wedded to routine

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 apathetic Still, the normally apathetic members of the Russian public, at least a number of them, are no longer willing to gobble up whatever Russian state television spoon-feeds them. — Daniel Depetris, Mercury News, 23 May 2026 Jarmusch wrote and directed this story of laconic vampires, creatures who have lived so long and seen so much that the world mostly leaves them apathetic. — Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 23 May 2026 As a result, people can become extremely apathetic, not motivated to do anything, and seemingly inert. — Literary Hub, 13 May 2026 Campbell became a viral sensation when his apathetic one-word responses to the 2024 Critics Choice Awards fashion took off on TikTok. — Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 4 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for apathetic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apathetic
  1. nonchalant
  2. stoic
  3. casual
  4. uninterested
Adjective
  • Zizou Bergs Zizou Bergs served nonchalant-cool boy vibes upon his arrival to New York City for the US Open, rocking an oversized charcoal graphic tee from Golden Goose paired with voluminous black trousers and his personalized Golden Goose shoes.
    — Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 2 Sep. 2026
  • The plan is to keep being nonchalant about the whole thing, and hopefully their fan base will continue to grow.
    — Julius Miller, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of nonchalant
Adjective
  • Clancy appeared upset during the sidebar but returned to the defense table with a stoic expression.
    — Rebecca Cohen, NBC news, 3 Sep. 2026
  • On the other side of the bench, Davis’ son remains stoic, but closes his eyes, leaning against the uncomfortable cloth seats, devastated at the prospect of losing his father to the penitentiary system.
    — Jeff Weiss, HollywoodReporter, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of stoic
Adjective
  • The Clubhouse Restaurant provides a more casual option, serving familiar comfort food alongside some of the most spectacular views in Europe.
    — Jeff Goudy, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Keep it casual and stylish by pairing your maxi skirt and white tee with your comfy walking shoes for daytime sightseeing without totally sticking out like a tourist.
    — Kayla Becker, Travel + Leisure, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of casual
Adjective
  • Cary’s uninterested father, Wayne Whittaker (William Fichtner).
    — Derek Lawrence, HollywoodReporter, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Usha is adept at seeming uninterested in a future inside the White House.
    — Kate Andersen Brower, Vanity Fair, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of uninterested

Browse Nearby Words

apartness
apathetic
apathetically
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Cite this Entry

“Apathetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apathetic. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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