indifference

[in-dif-er-uhns, -dif-ruhns] / ɪnˈdɪf ər əns, -ˈdɪf rəns /

NOUN

absence of feeling, interest

Synonyms

STRONGEST

alienation apathy callousness carelessness disdain disinterest disregard inattention inertia insensitivity lack negligence nonchalance

STRONG

aloofness coldness coolness detachment disinterestedness dispassion equity heedlessness immunity impartiality impassiveness impassivity insouciance isolationism lethargy listlessness neutrality noninterference objectivity stoicism torpor unconcern unmindfulness

WEAK

cold shoulder cold-bloodedness

Antonyms

STRONGEST

attention esteem respect

STRONG

bias

WEAK

caring compassion concern feeling interest involvement regard sympathy

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.

Leo condemned "a deadly mix of obscure interests and indifference toward the common good, which has poisoned the natural and social environment".

From Barron's • May 23, 2026

While his call for peace and an end to the “globalization of indifference” is a vital message for our time, turning away isn’t always a sign of indifference.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 12, 2026

Wide-eyed consumption of all the horrors we encounter on an hourly basis may look like attention, but it isn’t so different from indifference.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 12, 2026

Nothing is sadder than to watch people stroll past that memorial as if nothing is out of the ordinary, our civic pride and historical perspective crushed under the weight of indifference.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 11, 2026

The sons-in-law all knew that the father was watching them, jealously, for signs of indifference or self-interest.

From "How the García Girls Lost Their Accents" by Julia Alvarez

Vocabulary lists containing indifference

A Raisin in the Sun

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"The Perils of Indifference," Vocabulary from the speech

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Hamilton

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