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 Again, audiences remained aloof. Undaunted, Jeffreys continued issuing new work through 2017 with 14 Steps to Harlem. Jim Farber, Rolling Stone, 5 June 2025 Sherlock — don’t call her Shirley — Homes remains aloof in her genius, a lover of classical music and a user of illicit drugs. Matthew J. Palm, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 June 2025 He was obsessed with beautiful, coolly aloof women. Tom Gliatto, People.com, 13 June 2025 Yet each performance feels angled at a slightly different degree, one distinct acting turn making all the difference between a charming scoundrel, a depressed artist, a loyal sidekick, an aloof intellectual, or a precocious kid. Joe Reid, Vulture, 12 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for aloof
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aloof
Adjective
  • For mid-century home buyers, the costs of our suburban revolution were distant.
    Marina Bolotnikova, Vox, 7 July 2025
  • Since his 1938 debut in Action Comics No. 1, one home for Superman has been America, even though he was born on a distant planet.
    Samantha Baskind, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 July 2025
Adjective
  • The house features four bedrooms and one bathrooms. 2. $9.7 million, single-family residence in the 100 block of Pineview Lane A sale has been finalized for the detached house in the 100 block of Pineview Lane in Menlo Park.
    Bay Area Home Report, Mercury News, 26 June 2025
  • Prices hold steady Home prices remained stable, with the median sale price for a detached home rising about 1 percent month-over-month to $665,000.
    Sara B. Hansen, Denver Post, 10 May 2025
Adjective
  • Strategic commenting can lead to five-figure contracts without cold pitching.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • First, a quick refresher on freezing: The super cold temp—freezers should be set to zero degrees Fahrenheit or lower—stalls the growth of bacteria and other organisms.
    Caroline Tien, SELF, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • The floral prints just feel right everywhere, from the lavender fields of Provence to the vibrant streets of Lisbon, and the lightweight fabric keeps me cool in the hottest temperatures.
    Claire Gallam, Travel + Leisure, 6 July 2025
  • This keeps living spaces cooler and saves money, CEO of Green Doors Joseph Holman told the outlet, as air conditioning units don't have to work as hard to keep spaces chilled.
    Greta Cross, USA Today, 6 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Aloof.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aloof. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.

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