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.

One show of indifference was chance, two was coincidence, but this last dismissal made me see the pattern.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 13, 2026

Because, all those impersonations of chilly indifference aside, he will be known by what he got on the air: a legacy of generation-defining comedy that’s more impressive than any dutiful biodoc could ever be.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 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

An investigation into an "alleged incident of inappropriate behaviour by one of the senior leaders" subsequently found "a culture of indifference towards safeguarding" at the church.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

The most hated firm on Wall Street, famous mainly for its total indifference to the good opinion of its competitors, Eisman identified with the place!

From "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis

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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