Definitions

callous

[kal-uhs] / ˈkæl əs /

ADJECTIVE

cruel, insensitive

Synonyms

STRONGEST

apathetic careless cold-blooded heartless indifferent insensitive uncaring unsympathetic

STRONG

hardened indurated inured toughened unbending

WEAK

blind to case-hardened cold deaf to hard hard-bitten hard-boiled hardhearted impassive impenitent inflexible insensate insensible insentient obdurate soulless spiritless stiff stony stubborn thick-skinned torpid tough unaffected uncompassionate unconcerned unfeeling unimpressionable unresponsive unsusceptible

Antonyms

STRONGEST

caring compassionate concerned feeling interested kind merciful mindful nice responsive sympathetic

WEAK

sensitive tender

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

If death has been integral to Hayakawa’s two features, it’s society’s callous reaction to aging that is her primary focus.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 5, 2026

The idea that a warning should change the legal calculus of excessive force, now at the center of both of these cases, is callous and illogical.

From Slate • Apr. 21, 2026

Britt Eastland has his own, notably different, understanding of those days in which the Eastlands were not callous but heroic.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 18, 2026

Speaking after the verdicts were announced, Det Ch Insp Emma Smith from Northumbria Police said Hall was a "callous calculating sexual predator".

From BBC • Mar. 5, 2026

I am sorry I was so callous about the matter.

From "Life of Pi" by Yann Martel

Vocabulary lists containing callous

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