UNAFFECTIONATE Synonyms: 74 Similar and Opposite Words

unaffectionate

adjective

Definition of unaffectionate

as in unloving

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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 unaffectionate By widening the lens, Clark is able to redirect the book’s gaze from the mother toward a quizzical, sometimes critical, but not unaffectionate portrait of two generations of political activism, with the attendant self-involvement and domestic negligence. — James Wood, New Yorker, 4 May 2026 Seward says Diana told her about her ex-husband's unaffectionate childhood with parents Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip. — Simon Perry, PEOPLE.com, 21 Sep. 2020 Kyung, a Korean-American, grew up financially comfortable — surrounded by tutors, music lessons and other markers of success — but in loveless, unaffectionate surroundings. — Joumana Khatib, New York Times, 11 May 2017

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unaffectionate

Adjective

If God is divine Love itself, then hatred, fear, and unloving behavior cannot originate in His likeness.

— The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 24 Aug. 2026
Most of the other relationships in the movie are hopelessly corrupted or poisoned in some way, as Letty moves between an unloving mother and a vengeful former lover, and others whose closeness is a weapon to be feared.

— Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 28 July 2026

Definition of unloving

Adjective

Where Thomas is aloof and proud, Erika is prickly and sardonic, excellent tools for protecting a surprisingly fragile heart.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
And blondes will find a path that diverges—wintery vanilla for an aloof, icy look or buttery almond for a cozy blonde that still turns heads.

— Loren Savini, Allure, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of aloof

Adjective

However, not everyone’s experience has been as friendly, with Miley Cyrus, Chloë Sevigny and Jessica Alba sharing frightening stories of unfriendly spirits.

— Lydia Price, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2026
China and Russia each have to manage relationships with 14 neighbors, many of which are unfriendly or carry resentments from histories of conflict.

— Robert B. Zoellick, Foreign Affairs, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of unfriendly

Adjective

An online swarm of sleuths and influencers has been dissecting every detail of the case, developing theories that portray him as uncaring, unfaithful and even the murderer of his children.

— Ross Douthat, CBS News, 20 Sep. 2026
However, his team describes Fred as a tyrant, who is uncaring and belligerent and micro-manages everything.

— Mary Crossan, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026

Definition of uncaring

Adjective

The film conceives of a universe ruled by blind luck, fundamentally indifferent to human suffering and moral comeuppance.

— Frannie Comstock, Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Oct. 2026
Life is a combination of spending time with the difficult ones, the indifferent ones and the awesome ones among them.

— Vinesh Sukumaran, Forbes.com, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of indifferent

Adjective

Some recall an uninterested audience that slowly recognizes genius and cheers build until this is not just another Saturday.

— Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Putin and his government were uninterested in such short-term solutions.

— Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of uninterested

Adjective

Today, it is widely known that coal miners of the 19th and early 20th centuries experienced ruthless exploitation and hazardous working conditions.

— Marcus Librizzi, The Conversation, 26 Oct. 2026
Involuntary bumping is more ruthless, denying boarding to passengers in a joyless game of musical plane seats.

— Andrea Sachs, Washington Post, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of ruthless

Adjective

About two months after his testimony, Pujo’s report mapped out in pitiless detail all the interrelationships between Morgan and his small network of industrialists.

— Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 7 Sep. 2026
Nilsson’s depiction of bodies past their prime conjures not the pitiless naturalism of Joan Semmel or Alice Neel, but something friskier, more delighted.

— Jeremy Lybarger, Artforum, 2 June 2026

Definition of pitiless

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unaffecting

unaffectionate

unaffiliated

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

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Synonyms of unaffectionate

adjective

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