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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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 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
  • The resort has its own waterpark with a freeform swimming pool, baby pool, two-story slide, and lazy river.
    — Allison Tibaldi, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026
  • The other irony is that many of the characters on these very shows would hate this kind of lazy legacy thinking and would balk at it.
    — Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of lazy
Adjective
  • Ezequiel Duran drove in two runs and Texas (66-66) outhit the AL Central leaders 14-5 to move a half-game ahead of idle Houston and take sole possession of first place in the AL West for the first time since July 30.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026
  • When the risk-free rate was near zero, idle cash created significant opportunity cost.
    — Robert Daugherty, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of idle

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Indolent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/indolent. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.

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