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.

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

One of the most striking things about the video was how impassive you looked after breaking a world record.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 7, 2024

So there’s a theory percolating online that if you adopt the qualities of a stone, becoming impassive and bland, then you will repel the argumentative, antagonistic people in your life who are itching for conflict.

From New York Times • May 31, 2024

She spoke in an impassive tone, and everything she said was delivered evenly, never rising or falling.

From "Americanah" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

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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