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 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 While the wolves were better at problem solving and an experiment involving the retrieval of sausage pieces from a lunchbox, canines were much friendlier to humans, compared to wolves who were seen as more aloof. Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 June 2025 Kamada, flung into a new environment, has given the impression of being somewhat separate from his new team-mates at times; almost aloof. Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025 Other European powers sold assets at fire-sale prices to fund the war, borrowing heavily from the one major player that stood aloof until close to the end: the United States. David McWilliams, Time, 9 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for aloof
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aloof
Adjective
  • Growing up, my family would occasionally pile into the car and drive to distant locations for very brief vacations.
    Jason Foodman, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
  • But far from being from a distant cosmic source, researchers determined that the fast radio burst (FRB) actually came from the 60's satellite in Earth orbit.
    Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 June 2025
Adjective
  • There’s a gated driveway and car port tucked way off and alley, and a detached prefab ADU by Jason Halter of Wonder has a outside entrance from the street and adds another bedroom.
    Tori Latham, Robb Report, 14 June 2025
  • Managing national security affairs is not a detached experiment.
    Arthur House, Hartford Courant, 12 May 2025
Adjective
  • And Some Ice Cream Cream City Ice Cream & Coffeehouse has more than 40 homemade flavors to choose from, plus hot and cold espresso drinks.
    Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 22 June 2025
  • Tooth sensitivity, also known as dentin hypersensitivity, causes tooth pain in response to heat, cold, air flow, or light touch.
    Mark Gurarie, Health, 21 June 2025
Adjective
  • Millions of people in the U.S. are trying to stay cool as the summer's first major heat wave continues to create dangerous conditions across the Midwest and along the East Coast.
    Julia Simon, NPR, 24 June 2025
  • Experts say there are ways to save while still staying cool this summer.
    Talia Wexler, CNBC, 24 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Aloof.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aloof. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.

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