aloofness

noun

Definition of aloofnessnext
1
as in indifference

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2
as in distance

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Dissimilar Words

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 aloofness And although that single failure doesn’t disqualify him from being able to lead, some of his other qualities — obsessive perfectionism, hyper-focus that can come off as aloofness, a tendency to go his own way — aren’t always serving him well in tense moments such as this one. — Michael Silver, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2026 Remaining silent may shroud those in power in a cloak of untouchability, projecting confidence in their authority — but also aloofness. — Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 26 Nov. 2025 Throughout many revealing conversations, the braggadocious zeal of Poseidon and Zeus, the sexy aloofness of Aphrodite and Dionysus, and the sniveling bitchery of Hermes and Hypnos were endearing, but all gave way to flawed people who grew deeply over time. — Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 27 Sep. 2025 Reached by phone, the father comes off as a cold, uncaring man, and Pacino portrays him with chilling aloofness. — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 2 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for aloofness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aloofness
  1. indifference
  2. distance
  3. unconcern
  4. composure
  5. shyness
  6. bashfulness
  7. modesty
  8. reticence
Noun
  • Was there a kind of indifference — not cold, but settled — in which nothing felt particularly more significant because an end was coming?
    — Sai Rajagopal, STAT, 4 Aug. 2026
  • As past and present echo through the mountains, human encroachment and indifference threaten to erase their unique spirit, and his story becomes a reflection of an age-old, unequal struggle.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of indifference
Noun
  • Laurie Allen left her home in Nine Mile Falls, a community north of Spokane, last weekend, fleeing with her husband, dog and two kittens as a wildfire burned a short distance away.
    — Jamie Stengle, Chicago Tribune, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Analysts say this creates a layered defensive network capable of attacking naval forces from different directions and at varying distances.
    — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of distance
Noun
  • The book’s occasional oases of self-examination are surrounded by dusty expanses of omission and unconcern.
    — Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 13 Dec. 2025
  • Whatever the reason, Maxwell’s strength and the shark’s apparent unconcern put one of Maxwell’s friends in danger.
    — Donald Millus, Outdoor Life, 3 July 2025
Definition of unconcern
Noun
  • Chef—the character is nameless, and seemingly unknowable—is a mentor and a foil to Tony, his lined face and graying beard highlighting Tony’s youth, his composure framing Tony’s jittery ambition.
    — Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Morgan got out of the way and regain composure just for a moment.
    — Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of composure
Noun
  • Prince George seems to have inherited Princess Diana’s endearing shyness.
    — Christina Perrier, InStyle, 5 Aug. 2026
  • The smile didn’t come immediately, but suddenly the shyness gave way and her smile stretched from ear to ear.
    — Andy Clayton, New York Daily News, 26 June 2026
Definition of shyness
Noun
  • Her skin—something known as Frubber, a porous patented blend of fleshlike elastic polymers—stretched over a structure of plastic and titanium, and there was no flicker of bashfulness.
    — Dan Turello, New Yorker, 10 Jan. 2026
Definition of bashfulness
Noun
  • His modesty has not changed over the past eight months, despite signing for Barcelona, becoming the youngest player to represent Egypt at the World Cup and scoring a double for his new club’s first team.
    — Laia Cervelló Herrero, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026
  • That means no social media accounts, personal possessions or handling money, and the practice of celibacy and modesty.
    — Deepa Bharath, Fortune, 17 July 2026
Definition of modesty
Noun
  • But the best quarterbacks ultimately find a way, and the circumstances for this team and player remove any reticence to being malleable.
    — Alec Lewis, New York Times, 28 July 2026
  • Nolan doesn’t exactly share his hero’s reticence; one of his signature tactics as a writer is to place blocky, boldface ideas in furious opposition.
    — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 17 July 2026
Definition of reticence

Browse Nearby Words

aloofly
aloofness
a lot
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Cite this Entry

“Aloofness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aloofness. Accessed 12 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of aloofness for Spanish Speakers

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