Definitions

callous

[kal-uhs] / ˈkæl əs /

ADJECTIVE

cruel, insensitive

Synonyms

STRONGEST

apathetic careless cold-blooded heartless indifferent insensitive uncaring unsympathetic

STRONG

hardened indurated inured toughened unbending

WEAK

blind to case-hardened cold deaf to hard hard-bitten hard-boiled hardhearted impassive impenitent inflexible insensate insensible insentient obdurate soulless spiritless stiff stony stubborn thick-skinned torpid tough unaffected uncompassionate unconcerned unfeeling unimpressionable unresponsive unsusceptible

Antonyms

STRONGEST

caring compassionate concerned feeling interested kind merciful mindful nice responsive sympathetic

WEAK

sensitive tender

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

If death has been integral to Hayakawa’s two features, it’s society’s callous reaction to aging that is her primary focus.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 5, 2026

The idea that a warning should change the legal calculus of excessive force, now at the center of both of these cases, is callous and illogical.

From Slate • Apr. 21, 2026

Britt Eastland has his own, notably different, understanding of those days in which the Eastlands were not callous but heroic.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 18, 2026

I am, by the average measure, certainly no callous stoic.

From Salon • Nov. 30, 2025

The city seemed coldhearted to her—merchants were ruthless in their dealings and masters callous to their servants, and all called her naive when she objected.

From "When the Sea Turned to Silver" by Grace Lin

Vocabulary lists containing callous

The Vocabulary.com Top 1000

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

The SAT: Words to Capture Tone, List 2

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

300 Most Difficult "SAT" Words

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!