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

You would still never describe Pickford as being impassive, however, and Green feels that emotion is still a big part of his make-up.

From BBC • Oct. 8, 2025

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

De Zoysa, of Banstead, Surrey, remained impassive as the whole-life order was handed down.

From BBC • Jul. 27, 2023

The half-man looked down at Nailer as he went past, yellow eyes watching, impassive to Nailer’s failure.

From "Ship Breaker" by Paolo Bacigalupi

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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