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.

He was, according to BBC courts producer Neil Henderson, "impassive" during the evidence stages in this month's trial.

From BBC • Nov. 20, 2025

Mr. Xi was impassive, but his wife, Peng Liyuan, smiled broadly and applauded.

From New York Times • May 7, 2024

Menzies, who plays him minus the historical Stanton’s impressive whiskers, the better to appear a 21st-century screen hero, catches his well-documented resolve, seriousness, impatience and impassive imperiousness.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 14, 2024

He added that Pickering had acted with "cold, callous self-interest" throughout, and was "impassive" while listening to the victim impact statement read out in court.

From BBC • Feb. 5, 2024

He turned to the wall with a face impassive as granite.

From "Impossible Creatures" by Katherine Rundell

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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