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

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

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

When she walked into Mrs. Jacobs’s class she surveyed her fellow students with impassive interest.

From "Breadcrumbs" by Anne Ursu

Vocabulary lists containing impassive

Number the Stars

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

List 7

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

"To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee, Chapters 20–25

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!