detached 1 of 2

Definition of detachednext

detached

2 of 2

verb

past tense of detach
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2

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective detached contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of detached are aloof, disinterested, incurious, indifferent, and unconcerned. While all these words mean "not showing or feeling interest," detached implies an objective attitude achieved through absence of prejudice or selfishness.

observed family gatherings with detached amusement

When might aloof be a better fit than detached?

While the synonyms aloof and detached are close in meaning, aloof suggests a cool reserve arising from a sense of superiority or disdain for inferiors or from shyness.

aloof from his coworkers

When is it sensible to use disinterested instead of detached?

While in some cases nearly identical to detached, 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

When would incurious be a good substitute for detached?

In some situations, the words incurious and detached are roughly equivalent. However, incurious implies an inability to take a normal interest due to dullness of mind or to self-centeredness.

incurious about the world

When can indifferent be used instead of detached?

The synonyms indifferent and detached are sometimes interchangeable, but indifferent implies neutrality of attitude from lack of inclination, preference, or prejudice.

indifferent to the dictates of fashion

Where would unconcerned be a reasonable alternative to detached?

Although the words unconcerned and detached have much in common, 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 detached
Adjective
In contrast to this ribald directness, Kokopeli’s playsets feature characters who appear detached and disconnected. Theo Belci, Artforum, 2 June 2026 The film centers on a pickpocket who survives by exploiting the desires of closeted men, until his detached worldview is upended when one of his marks returns seeking closeness rather than settling scores. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 17 May 2026
Verb
Rise to prominence O’Hare lies several miles northwest of Chicago’s urban core, a location that could have created complications for municipal control, as Illinois law does not favor exclaves (areas geographically detached from the rest of a municipality). Encyclopedia Britannica, 10 June 2026 Over the past year, Smith has often appeared increasingly detached from the content. Bobby Burack Outkick, FOXNews.com, 9 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for detached
Recent Examples of Synonyms for detached
Adjective
  • There was another cigar somewhere in his not-too-distant future.
    Barry Svrluga, New York Times, 17 June 2026
  • With the intention of permanently moving the orbiter Discovery to California, the Air Force designed SLC-6 differently from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, most notably by stacking the vehicle directly on the pad rather than in a more distant assembly building.
    Robert Pearlman, ArsTechnica, 17 June 2026
Adjective
  • The Knicks trailed in every single game against San Antonio and were down as many as 10 in the fourth quarter of Game 5.
    Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 14 June 2026
  • On June 8, Kentucky State Police Post 11 in London, Kentucky, responded to reports of a single-vehicle crash involving a pedestrian on Interstate 75 northbound near the 62-mile marker in Rockcastle County.
    Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 14 June 2026
Verb
  • As he was handcuffed and removed from the courtroom, spectators erupted in cheers and applause, according to footage from the courtroom.
    N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 18 June 2026
  • The Dallas Cowboys players, and coaches, all love the changes recently made to AT&T Stadium, and come August, the name will go back to its original, the grass will be replaced by a synthetic, and expect the tint in the windows to be removed, too.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 June 2026
Verb
  • In worrying that young people are disengaged from participating in civic society, adults may overlook both their own role in fostering engagement and the many ways young people are already contributing.
    Jen Agans, The Conversation, 8 May 2026
  • The volume also ran counter to the muted response from cultural figures, including musicians, who have been surprisingly disengaged from the conflict.
    Lily Moayeri, Rolling Stone, 3 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The perk here is that the material holds up to cold weather by stretching and expanding without breaking, requiring fewer repairs and resource use.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 June 2026
  • But there are ways of assessing it with cold hard figures, most notably the FIFA world rankings, which began in the 1990s as a way to assess the strength of international teams.
    Thom Harris, New York Times, 16 June 2026
Adjective
  • Investigators said Morabia Siddhi Suresh, 33, of Fremont, California, had been driving in rainy conditions when she was involved in a separate collision, according to Kentucky State Police.
    Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 14 June 2026
  • The separate bottom-zipper section is an absolute lifesaver if you — like me — are accustomed to bringing along multiple pairs of shoes or want a place to stash wet swimwear or heavy toiletries.
    Tanya Sharma, PEOPLE, 14 June 2026
Verb
  • Outside the courtroom, reaction to the case remains sharply divided.
    Elaine Rojas-Castillo, CBS News, 13 June 2026
  • The lithosphere, however, is not a single piece but is divided into puzzle-like fragments called tectonic plates, according to the USGS.
    Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 13 June 2026
Verb
  • Mickelson, who turns 56 next week, withdrew from professional golf this year because of family health reasons, last playing at the LIV Golf South Africa in March.
    Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2026
  • In April 2025, just days after the federal court hearing, the LA County Board of Supervisors withdrew hundreds of millions of dollars in funding for LAHSA, opting to create a new county-run agency for homeless services.
    Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 12 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Detached.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detached. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.

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