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
  • 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
  • People are urged to stay cool, but that's proving difficult for thousands in Adams County who have been without power since Sunday night, WGAL reported.
    Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 June 2025
  • Stay cool with clothing: Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 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 8 Jul. 2025.

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