Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective aloof contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of aloof are detached, disinterested, incurious, indifferent, and unconcerned. While all these words mean "not showing or feeling interest," aloof suggests a cool reserve arising from a sense of superiority or disdain for inferiors or from shyness.

aloof from his coworkers

When might detached be a better fit than aloof?

The meanings of detached and aloof largely overlap; however, detached implies an objective attitude achieved through absence of prejudice or selfishness.

observed family gatherings with detached amusement

When is disinterested a more appropriate choice than aloof?

Although the words disinterested and aloof have much in common, disinterested implies a circumstantial freedom from concern for personal or especially financial advantage that enables one to judge or advise without bias.

judged by a panel of disinterested observers

In what contexts can incurious take the place of aloof?

The words incurious and aloof are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, incurious implies an inability to take a normal interest due to dullness of mind or to self-centeredness.

incurious about the world

When could indifferent be used to replace aloof?

While in some cases nearly identical to aloof, indifferent implies neutrality of attitude from lack of inclination, preference, or prejudice.

indifferent to the dictates of fashion

When is it sensible to use unconcerned instead of aloof?

The synonyms unconcerned and aloof are sometimes interchangeable, but unconcerned suggests a lack of sensitivity or regard for others' needs or troubles.

unconcerned about the homeless

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 aloof Despite Tank’s relentless attempts to win Olaf over — flopping on his back, tail wagging, eager for play — Olaf remained aloof. Ashley Vega, People.com, 24 Apr. 2025 On Reddit, users discuss relating to Bateman’s aloof inner monologues and defensively make fun of people who scold them for idolizing the character. Alison Willmore, Vulture, 6 May 2025 Throughout the night, Coppola could be described as aloof whenever the camera flashed to him. Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 27 Apr. 2025 Though never a commercial success, the LP made its way into the hands of oddball punks and art-rock weirdos in the Midwest, intriguing many with its aloof approach to merging rock, punk, new-wave, and experimental prog. Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 24 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for aloof
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aloof
Adjective
  • Dan, who secured 20.89% in the first round, was a distant second.
    Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 19 May 2025
  • Its Dragonfly mission will launch in July 2028 atop a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket and reach the distant moon in 2034.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025
Adjective
  • The sale of the detached house in the 2300 block of Fruitdale Ave., San Jose, has been finalized.
    Bay Area Home Report, Mercury News, 16 May 2025
  • Through it all, there’s the metronomic wash of the tides onto the sand, waves lapping the beach, the undulation of the ocean, and the cityscape of Rockaway, with its large apartment buildings and detached houses, in the background.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 13 May 2025
Adjective
  • Distributors — dear friends and colleagues — lament the same familiar woes: not enough films, or too many; the best titles are overpriced; the coffee is terrible; the weather is unbearable — too hot, too cold or both.
    Martin Moszkowicz, Deadline, 17 May 2025
  • The company specializes in cold cases and uses genealogy.
    Lucia I Suarez Sang, CBS News, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • For example, stone, tile or polished concrete in flooring can reduce energy use and keep a home cool.
    Khanh T.L. Tran, USA Today, 20 May 2025
  • Finished in a cool, sandy hue, these shades are as bold as they are refined.
    Alia Yee Noll, Los Angeles Times, 19 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Aloof.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aloof. Accessed 25 May. 2025.

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