indolent

adjective

ˈin-də-lənt How to pronounce indolent (audio)
Definition of indolentnext
as in lazy
not easily aroused to action or work an indolent boy who had to be forced to help out with the chores

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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How is the word indolent distinct from other similar adjectives?

The words lazy and slothful are common synonyms of indolent. While all three words mean "not easily aroused to activity," indolent suggests a love of ease and a dislike of movement or activity.

the heat made us indolent

Where would lazy be a reasonable alternative to indolent?

While in some cases nearly identical to indolent, lazy suggests a disinclination to work or to take trouble.

take-out foods for lazy cooks

When could slothful be used to replace indolent?

The words slothful and indolent are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, slothful implies a temperamental inability to act promptly or speedily when action or speed is called for.

fired for being slothful about filling orders

Example 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 indolent Screenings in healthy adults are also more likely to catch indolent disease, meaning slow-growing or static conditions, than aggressive ones. — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Sep. 2026 Possibly a deepening and widening of populist politics, as both the far right and the far left win over more of the allegedly indolent youth. — Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2026 Every journey with indolent systemic mastocytosis (ISM) is unique, but my journey with ISM has been especially unique. — Shannon Dingey, Health, 1 July 2026 The weather was springtime perfect and we were lulled by the splash of water and feeling indolent from a good meal and more than a few glasses of wine. — Keith Pandolfi, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for indolent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for indolent
  1. lazy
  2. idle
Adjective
  • Not because trainers are lazy, but because output feels controllable.
    — Ben Plomion, Forbes.com, 26 Oct. 2026
  • While older generations may interpret limited eye contact, a flat expression or a pause before responding as rude, lazy or unprofessional, that might not be a younger person’s intent at all, Leahy said.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of lazy
Adjective
  • Among the biggest changes in the country have to do with changes to corporate governance, including the encouragement of companies to eliminate idle cash and focus more on shareholder returns, that's meant to support growth.
    — Sarah Min, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Supply-chain congestion sometimes causes freight trains to sit idle, leaving them vulnerable to thieves in urban rail yards.
    — Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of idle

Browse Nearby Words

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indolent
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Cite this Entry

“Indolent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/indolent. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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