detached 1 of 2

detached

2 of 2

verb

past tense of detach
1
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
Jorma Taccone, the Lonely Island member and former Saturday Night Live writer, suffered a shattered pelvis and a detached sacrum in a 20-foot fall from a ladder at his farmhouse in Connecticut. Greg Evans, Deadline, 3 Sep. 2025 For leaders wary of appearing cold or detached, the appeal is undeniable. Julian Hayes Ii, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2025
Verb
In a scathing report, Citron argued that Palantir’s stock was detached from business fundamentals and sound analysis. Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 22 Aug. 2025 Part of a wing of a Delta Air Lines plane flying from Florida to Texas detached midflight Tuesday. Filip Timotija, The Hill, 21 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for detached
Recent Examples of Synonyms for detached
Adjective
  • With her brother and his girlfriend still distant, she is left hoping time will ease the awkwardness created over one special dress.
    Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 10 Sep. 2025
  • His competitors have become distant runners up.
    John Hyatt, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • These acts are punishable crimes, and every single threat will be met with the full force of the law.
    Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 17 Sep. 2025
  • The Midong solar project is the world's largest single-solar power producer, potentially generating enough electricity for 5 million households.
    Jeff Young, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • This changed in late 1980 when Jobs was removed from the Lisa project by President Mike Scott, after which Jobs moved to unilaterally take over the Macintosh, which at that time was otherwise considered a largely speculative affair.
    Cameron Kaiser, ArsTechnica, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Makary had wanted the warning removed and packed the panel with like-minded experts.
    Arthur Allen, CNN Money, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • But while the long-term trend in the West suggests young people are increasingly disengaged with mainstream religion, recent surveys and anecdotal evidence point to a rise in interest in Catholicism among Gen Z in the United States and Europe.
    Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Signs of hearing loss include struggling to follow conversations in loud environments or large group settings, frequently asking others to repeat themselves, leaning in toward the speaker, providing answers that are irrelevant to the conversation or seeming disengaged when listening.
    Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 31 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Charlie Kirk didn't deserve to be killed in cold blood.
    Newsweek Contributors, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025
  • After all, who wants to wake up on a crisp winter morning to their feet on cold hardwood?
    Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • A couple with two pricey cars should run the numbers on separate filing this year.
    Peter J Reilly, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
  • Both Delta and Aeromexico said in separate statements that the carriers were disappointed by the department's decision and were reviewing the order before considering next steps.
    Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 16 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • According to convention, all money is divided into M0 (the monetary base), M1 which includes M0 and on demand bank deposits and M2 which includes M1 and money market funds and timed deposits such as CDs.
    Vipin Bharathan, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
  • The site consists primarily of 10,900 square feet of office spaces that can be divided into as many as four office suites, according to a marketing brochure that Cushman & Wakefield, a commercial real estate firm, had circulated.
    George Avalos, Mercury News, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The shake-up came a week after the Ultra-Orthodox parties United Torah Judaism and Shas withdrew from the coalition in protest over the failure to pass legislation exempting Haredi men from military service.
    Amelie Botbol, FOXNews.com, 14 Sep. 2025
  • The Times/Siena poll suggested that if both Adams and Sliwa withdrew, Mamdani’s advantage over Cuomo could shrink even further.
    Philip Marcelo, Fortune, 12 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Detached.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detached. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on detached

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!