impassive

adjective

im·pas·sive (ˌ)im-ˈpa-siv

: giving no sign of feeling or emotion : expressionless

: unsusceptible to or destitute of emotion : apathetic

: unsusceptible to physical feeling : insensible

archaic : unsusceptible to pain

impassively adverb

impassiveness noun

impassivity

ˌim-ˌpa-ˈsi-və-tē

noun

Choose the Right Synonym for impassive

impassive, stoic, phlegmatic, apathetic, stolid mean unresponsive to something that might normally excite interest or emotion.

impassive stresses the absence of any external sign of emotion in action or facial expression.

met the news with an impassive look

stoic implies an apparent indifference to pleasure or especially to pain often as a matter of principle or self-discipline.

was resolutely stoic even in adversity

phlegmatic implies a temperament or constitution hard to arouse.

a phlegmatic man unmoved by tears

apathetic may imply a puzzling or deplorable indifference or inertness.

charitable appeals met an apathetic response

stolid implies a habitual absence of interest, responsiveness, or curiosity.

stolid workers wedded to routine

Example Sentences

Her face remained impassive throughout the trial. she remained impassive as the officers informed her of her son's death

Recent Examples on the Web In practice, though, Staunton’s Elizabeth is impassive to the point of opacity.

Time, 5 Nov. 2022 And his guests, who are often known for their steely, impassive façades, will break into an appreciative, almost goofy laugh.

Hua Hsu, The New Yorker, 12 Sep. 2022 For 70 years, her impassive visage and neat coif, matchy hats, pearls, dependable handbags, and sensible shoes encouraged her subjects and the world at large to keep calm and carry on, often during very turbulent times.

Emily Zemler, Allure, 9 Sep. 2022 Najib was impassive when the verdict was read out and his wife and two children immediately went to his side in the court.

Philip J. Heijmans, Fortune, 23 Aug. 2022 Her voice, as impassive as her face, conveys the numb disbelief of the brokenhearted.

Martin Kuz, The Christian Science Monitor, 23 Aug. 2022 In shows like The Lone Ranger and Gunsmoke, Indians were stoic, comically impassive, sphynxlike.

David Treuer, The Atlantic, 1 Aug. 2022 This makes for a series of pratfalls and obscenities, with the impassive Patrick just kind of standing there, seemingly bemused.

Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 19 July 2022 The faces in the crowd appear impassive despite the fact that God’s living mouthpiece will soon address them.

Cassady Rosenblum, Rolling Stone, 28 June 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'impassive.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.