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.

Because, all those impersonations of chilly indifference aside, he will be known by what he got on the air: a legacy of generation-defining comedy that’s more impressive than any dutiful biodoc could ever be.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026

Wide-eyed consumption of all the horrors we encounter on an hourly basis may look like attention, but it isn’t so different from indifference.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 12, 2026

Leo has repeatedly denounced ongoing global conflicts in recent weeks, using a series of Holy Week addresses to warn against what he has described as a growing indifference to war and suffering.

From BBC • Apr. 5, 2026

Her dissent exemplifies her belief that law should be a refuge for those who, like Reed, seek to escape the abuses of power and indifference that often play out in capital cases.

From Slate • Mar. 27, 2026

For my part, the fate of the Jews, and the world’s indifference to it, frightened me very much.

From "The Fire Next Time" by James Baldwin

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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