Synonyms of detached

detached 1 of 2

adjective

di-ˈtacht 

1

as in distant

having or showing a lack of friendliness or interest in others

a detached observer at company parties, taking it all in and saying very little

Synonyms & Similar Words

• distant
• cold
• withdrawn
• cool
• reserved
• dry
• aloof
• remote
• standoffish
• antisocial
• silent
• professional
• timid
• clinical
• unsociable
• unbending
• offish
• asocial
• frosty
• shy
• standoff
• cold-eyed
• unclubbable
• hard
• buttoned-up
• introverted
• reclusive
• dispassionate
• indifferent
• disinterested
• impersonal
• unconcerned
• indrawn
• apathetic
• misanthropic
• uninterested
• unsocial
• recessive
• taciturn
• uncommunicative
• incurious
• reticent
• diffident
• nongregarious
• cliquish
• cliquey
• clubbish

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• warm
• social
• friendly
• cordial
• sociable
• extroverted
• expansive
• outgoing
• convivial
• companionable
• gregarious
• communicative
• talkative
• boon
• garrulous
• hospitable
• gracious
• affable
• folksy
• clubby
• amiable
• genial
• clubbable
• congenial
• agreeable
• kindly
• neighborly

2

as in single

not physically attached to another unit

a detached garage on the side of the house

Synonyms & Similar Words

• single
• separate
• discrete
• private
• unattached
• disconnected
• unconnected
• independent
• freestanding
• free
• individual
• self-contained

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• joined
• attached
• connected
• linked
• adjoining

detached

2 of 2

verb

past tense of detach

1

as in removed

to take (something) away from or off of something else to which it is joined

Detach the lower portion of the invoice and send it back with your payment.

Related Words

• removed
• divided
• separated
• split
• disconnected
• resolved
• disassociated
• dissociated
• divorced
• disengaged
• disjoined
• severed
• isolated
• decoupled
• pulled
• disjointed
• uncoupled
• parted
• disunited
• dissevered
• disentangled
• sundered
• ramified
• untied
• unraveled
• insulated
• fractured
• broke up
• unfastened
• secluded
• ripped
• unlinked
• rent
• segregated
• ruptured
• disintegrated
• sequestered
• unyoked
• tore
• cut off
• dissolved
• disassembled
• partitioned
• decomposed
• subdivided
• dissected
• bifurcated
• fragmented
• rifted
• cleaved
• rived
• segmented
• bisected
• quartered
• broke down
• fractionated
• broke
• cut
• dichotomized
• halved
• penetrated
• lacerated
• perforated
• fractionalized
• incised
• slit
• punctured
• slashed
• notched
• trisected
• fragmentated
• fragmentized
• gashed

Dissimilar Words

• combined
• associated
• mixed
• connected
• assembled
• attached
• blended
• coupled
• mingled
• bound
• closed
• welded
• stuck
• fused
• accumulated
• fastened
• cemented
• linked
• merged
• consolidated
• joined
• united
• knit
• filled
• unified
• repaired
• sealed
• agglutinated
• healed
• plugged
• sewed
• sutured
• stitched
• patched
• mended
• darned

2

as in disengaged

to avoid engaging with or participating in something

They were reticent people, completely detached from social life.

Related Words

• disengaged
• withdrew
• pulled away
• fled
• disentangled
• flew
• recoiled
• flinched
• shrank
• retreated
• abandoned
• retired
• evacuated
• left
• climbed down
• vacated
• departed
• backed down
• chickened (out)
• bowed out
• fell back
• receded
• pulled out
• dropped back
• backed away
• backtracked
• backpedaled
• quit
• went

Dissimilar Words

• confronted
• faced
• bearded
• dared
• breasted
• defied
• advanced
• braved
• brazened
• outbraved

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

Recent Examples of detached

Adjective

Shakespeare’s name has become so detached from the human being and works as an adjective that can apply to history, clothing and drama, so taking that name away from the novel was very liberating. —Literary Hub, 6 Feb. 2026

Buyer activity followed, with pending sales jumping 48% for detached homes and 44% for attached homes compared to December. —Sara B. Hansen, Denver Post, 6 Feb. 2026

Verb

Parts detached during the derailment, including a mast and drop arm, have been moved on to the roadway near Central Avenue. —Kris Habermehl, CBS News, 11 Feb. 2026

Compassion and wisdom become free-floating signifiers, detached from any actual relationship to other people, masquerading as something profound. —Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 10 Feb. 2026