Definitions

impassive

[im-pas-iv] / ɪmˈpæs ɪv /

ADJECTIVE

aloof, cool

Synonyms

STRONGEST

emotionless matter-of-fact placid reticent serene stoic stolid taciturn unemotional unflappable unruffled

WEAK

apathetic callous cold cold-blooded collected composed dispassionate dry hardened heartless imperturbable indifferent indurated inexcitable inexpressive inscrutable insensible insusceptible nonchalant passionless phlegmatic poker-faced reserved sedate self-contained spiritless stoical unconcerned unexcitable unfeeling unimpressible unmoved wooden

Antonyms

STRONGEST

agitated communicative emotional excited feeling nervous

WEAK

passionate responsive sensitive susceptible warm

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.

Her face remained impassive even as tears formed and began to travel down her cheek.

From Los Angeles Times • May 24, 2026

Rocky declined to testify in his own defense and sat largely impassive during the trial, brightening only when Rihanna or his kids showed up in the gallery.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 18, 2025

There were gasps and tears but no outbursts of emotion; the atmosphere remained sombre; Megrahi was impassive; no-one banged on the glass.

From BBC • Jan. 14, 2025

The normally impassive Carsley finally let his emotions out after the final whistle, joining the celebrations with his players, beaming as he wrapped an equally elated Jones in a bearhug.

From BBC • Nov. 14, 2024

Snape looked back at her, quite impassive, as she turned slowly away from him again.

From "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" by J.K. Rowling

Vocabulary lists containing impassive

Number the Stars

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List 7

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"To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee, Chapters 20–25

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