detached 1 of 2

detached

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verb

past tense of detach
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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
There’s also a detached studio/gym, plus a three-car garage. Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 18 Apr. 2025 Embed Survivor Stories in Workplace Training Workshops and harassment policies often feel like checkbox exercises — detached, theoretical and easy to tune out. Melissa Jun Rowley, Rolling Stone, 15 Apr. 2025
Verb
Decking With outdoor decking, the problem is usually boards that have completely detached from the deck framing. Clark Hodgin, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025 An invitation to discover, deconstruct, and deepen my identity as a Black woman detached from my labor, service, and the white gaze of Texas’s capital city. Virginia Cumberbatch, Essence, 27 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for detached
Recent Examples of Synonyms for detached
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 Yankee Stadium crowd booed loudly as Gary Sanchez cruised into first base with a single into shallow center field.
    Brendan Kuty, New York Times, 21 June 2025
  • Peña led off the 10th with a single that advanced automatic runner Dubón to third.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 21 June 2025
Verb
  • Both crosses were removed from the cathedral’s steeple and spire in 1998 for building renovations.
    Killian Baarlaer, The Courier-Journal, 24 Dec. 2024
  • Bricks that were most likely 184 years old were removed from the foundation of the church, ending its almost two centuries-long mission.
    Noe Padilla, The Indianapolis Star, 24 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Surveys find that most managers assume—incorrectly, at times—that employees without their webcams on are disengaged from the conversation.
    Carmine Gallo, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Playing without four of their regular rotation players because of injury Monday night, the Lakers weren’t anywhere close to their best, physically shorthanded and rapidly disengaged mentally.
    Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 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
  • Oklahoma reached a separate $270 million settlement in 2019.
    Alex Sundby June 17, CBS News, 17 June 2025
  • Moretti adapted Nevo’s short story collection together with co-screenwriters Federica Pontremoli and Valia Santella, intertwining the book’s separate stories about the various bonds — familial, political, social and romantic — that both restrict and liberate, into a single narrative.
    Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 17 June 2025
Verb
  • In response, Hungary withdrew its stake from the bank, marking a rare concession in its complex balancing act between East and West.
    Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 8 Jan. 2025
  • Biden, the oldest sitting president at 82, withdrew from the race in July, as questions about his age and fitness for office surged following a disastrous CNN debate performance in June.
    Justin Gomez, ABC News, 8 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Often, people that indulge in this type of culture are considered anti-social or withdrawn, a stereotype that has been passed around for years.
    Dominick Williams, Kansas City Star, 26 June 2025
  • People become irritable, withdrawn, or hyper-independent.
    Barnaby Lashbrooke, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Detached.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detached. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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