Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective disinterested contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of disinterested are aloof, detached, incurious, indifferent, and unconcerned. While all these words mean "not showing or feeling interest," disinterested implies a circumstantial freedom from concern for personal or especially financial advantage that enables one to judge or advise without bias.

judged by a panel of disinterested observers

When can aloof be used instead of disinterested?

The words aloof and disinterested are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, aloof suggests a cool reserve arising from a sense of superiority or disdain for inferiors or from shyness.

aloof from his coworkers

When could detached be used to replace disinterested?

The words detached and disinterested can be used in similar contexts, but detached implies an objective attitude achieved through absence of prejudice or selfishness.

observed family gatherings with detached amusement

When is incurious a more appropriate choice than disinterested?

In some situations, the words incurious and disinterested are roughly equivalent. However, incurious implies an inability to take a normal interest due to dullness of mind or to self-centeredness.

incurious about the world

In what contexts can indifferent take the place of disinterested?

While the synonyms indifferent and disinterested are close in meaning, indifferent implies neutrality of attitude from lack of inclination, preference, or prejudice.

indifferent to the dictates of fashion

When might unconcerned be a better fit than disinterested?

The synonyms unconcerned and disinterested are sometimes interchangeable, but unconcerned suggests a lack of sensitivity or regard for others' needs or troubles.

unconcerned about the homeless

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of disinterested Revenues are directly affected by high levels of disengagement because disinterested customers neither make repeat purchases nor act as brand advocates. Tommy Kearns, Forbes, 2 Oct. 2024 As this article by Cooley LLP points out, companies—particularly those controlled by a dominant stockholder—should adhere to the MFW process or use traditional cleansing mechanisms such as approval by independent directors, a special committee or disinterested stockholders. Priya Cherian Huskins, Forbes, 9 Oct. 2024 The Sun is absolutely loving rebellion and proactive demolition, while being entirely disinterested in heeding any warnings from your intuition. Jennifer Culp, Them, 13 Sep. 2024 Such predictions can be seen as a wholly disinterested affair. Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 19 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for disinterested 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disinterested
Adjective
  • Pair it with biker boots and tights to ooze nonchalant cool.
    Esme Benjamin, People.com, 4 Nov. 2024
  • But perhaps the more pronounced change in her life since turning 50 is the fact that the fashion designer and former Spice Girl has grown more nonchalant about what the world around her thinks about her.
    Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Attorneys who completed a survey about her work called her fair and impartial.
    John Frank, Axios, 4 Nov. 2024
  • Routh's attorneys argued in their motion that Cannon could not be impartial in the case because she was appointed by Trump.
    Nina Turner, Newsweek, 29 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • As with a tombstone in the mergers-and-acquisitions business, there is an insider lingua franca that casual followers wouldn’t know.
    Jordan Michelman, The Atlantic, 21 Nov. 2024
  • This strap offers a sporty and casual appearance, ensuring maximum comfort during physical activities and contributing to the watch's ultra-lightweight design (total weight with this strap: 49.5 grams).
    Bhanu Chopra, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • On the other, some commissioners pointed out, the language of the Brine Act required the companies to demonstrate that the royalty is fair and equitable.
    Ainsley Platt, arkansasonline.com, 5 Nov. 2024
  • This shift empowers users to own their data and identity, promoting a more equitable and user-centric digital environment.
    Gary Weinstein, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Although China is ahead of most nations in CBDC development, the public remains largely uninterested.
    Susie Violet Ward, Forbes, 13 Oct. 2024
  • Untouched and uninterested, the toy just took up space in the home.
    Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • Studying the beliefs and ideas of a past time and place bumped the object to one side, where it now was given equal weight to economics, literature, religion, scientific developments, politics and other varieties of social life.
    Christopher Knight, Los Angeles Times, 22 Nov. 2024
  • Up until March 2019, Fox owned one-third of Hulu — no more and no less than its equal partners in the 2008 joint venture.
    Brian Welk, IndieWire, 21 Nov. 2024

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Thesaurus Entries Near disinterested

Cite this Entry

“Disinterested.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disinterested. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

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