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.

His half-time team talks veered between indifference and screaming.

From BBC • May 13, 2026

Philosopher Timothy McGrew then observes that Mr. Dawkins “has famously said that ‘the universe has at bottom just those properties one would expect if there were no design, no purpose, only blind pitiless indifference.’

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

But the real danger is indifference—and indifference is a product of not permitting oneself to turn away in reflection.

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

“You don’t know what I can do. Snow produces a glow and a tingle, if applied rightly. Your indifference is half affectation, and a good stirring up would prove it.”

From "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott

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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