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
Three people present described the manner of the two strangers as detached and off-putting, and said their story just did not add up. Denver Nicks, Rolling Stone, 14 Sep. 2025 The relevance of The Lord is impossible to ignore, especially in the character of a British journalist, who is extremely detached and mercenary. Literary Hub, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
This question, though somewhat rhetorical, again displays how well-meaning adults are nevertheless detached from the difficulties and dangers young people face in the modern internet age, where cyberbullying (and yes, even extremist ideology) runs rampant. Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 16 Sep. 2025 Creator Mae Martin’s eight-episode mystery-thriller is certainly concerned about our teens, but the dedication to those worries ebbs and flows much like the tone shifts from detached to sympathetic. Ben Travers, IndieWire, 9 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for detached
Recent Examples of Synonyms for detached
Adjective
  • There, the music switches to distant, classical pomp and the actor takes a seat at a tidy press junket-style set.
    Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Electric aviation is far from a distant dream in 2025.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Noting the billions of dollars that Arkansas spends each year on federal programs to help the poor, including Medicaid, food stamps, child welfare and unemployment assistance, Sanders suggested the problems are often too big for a single program to fix.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Oct. 2025
  • However, this is still a group that lacks even a single true top-pair defenseman.
    Harman Dayal, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The trepidation that led to Ohtani’s early exit from his start against these same Phillies last month — when Ohtani was removed from a no-hitter after five innings in an eventual loss — is not part of the calculus this time.
    Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2025
  • The church removed several of its officials following a law firm's investigation into the allegations in November.
    Nolan Clay, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • If someone is disengaged but still clocking in, that work has to be absorbed by other team members, which can create additional stress and drag down productivity across the board, said SHRM's Atkinson.
    Charlotte Morabito, CNBC, 24 Sep. 2025
  • Operators who were frustrated with their teams and looked to solutions that purport to be perfect virtual agents often found their human teams disengaged more.
    Tyler Christiansen, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • This is when the weather in most places is nicest—not too cold, but not yet hot and humid.
    Kristin Braswell, AFAR Media, 7 Oct. 2025
  • But actually, simply cold emailing employers isn’t a bad way to stand out.
    Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Its dual-tank water system keeps clean and dirty water separate, while the multi-surface brush roll handles sealed hard floors and rugs.
    Caitlyn Martyn may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 7 Oct. 2025
  • The study, conducted by a research team in Denmark, included an analysis of 19 separate clinical trials that evaluated tramadol versus a placebo in treating various types of chronic pain.
    Jacqueline Howard, CNN Money, 7 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The votes of the parties that did not make it into parliament will be divided proportionately, meaning PAS will end up with several seats more than a bare majority of 51.
    John E. Herbst, Time, 4 Oct. 2025
  • While critics were divided at the time, Casper became a box office hit and earned its place as a nostalgic favorite for '90s kids.
    Allison DeGrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • After President Joe Biden withdrew his reelection campaign yesterday, the endorsements have been rolling in for Vice President Kamala Harris to be selected as the Democratic nominee for the upcoming election.
    Anna Tingley, Variety, 6 Oct. 2025
  • While the Dartmouth players withdrew their unionization petition after the 2024 presidential election, their success could inspire similar efforts at other schools.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 4 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Detached.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detached. Accessed 10 Oct. 2025.

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