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.

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

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

“You don’t need to use them — you just need to wear them,” a civil servant says, capturing the government’s one-size-fits-all indifference.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

The indifference only strayed into anger when some Wales fans booed forward Brennan Johnson when he came on as a second-half substitute.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

The sons-in-law all knew that the father was watching them, jealously, for signs of indifference or self-interest.

From "How the García Girls Lost Their Accents" by Julia Alvarez

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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