detached 1 of 2

Definition of detachednext

detached

2 of 2

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
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
Today, people amass unmanageable debt simply to keep faith with a story that feels increasingly detached from their reality. Hua Hsu, New Yorker, 22 June 2026 Images are also detached from their original source when circulating online. Nan Li, The Conversation, 22 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for detached
Recent Examples of Synonyms for detached
Adjective
  • Assemblymember Alex Bores, had 35%, followed by Schlossberg, who trailed in a distant third with less than 11%.
    Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 24 June 2026
  • Wet paint auctions feel like a distant memory, with frivolous, speculative art buying, especially from 2020 to 2022, now being passé.
    George Nelson, ARTnews.com, 24 June 2026
Adjective
  • That was the most of any player in that tournament, earning Kane the Golden Boot that year and tying Lineker’s record for the most goals by an England player in a single World Cup.
    Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 28 June 2026
  • Under state law, any single gift — or multiple gifts from the same source that add up to $50 or more during the annual period — must be disclosed.
    Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2026
Verb
  • His father's tombstone usually has the American flag, Irish flag and a military flag flanking either side, but those appeared to be removed on Monday.
    Brandon Truitt, CBS News, 25 June 2026
  • Despite initially playing through the pain, Arraez was removed from the game before the top of the fifth inning.
    Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 25 June 2026
Verb
  • Garcia said some students have disengaged from campus life or withdrawn from classes altogether.
    Valentina Toro, Hartford Courant, 19 June 2026
  • 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
Adjective
  • To prevent that, some operators maintain low oil flow rates, akin to dripping a faucet in freezing cold weather to avoid frozen pipes.
    David Goldman, CNN Money, 24 June 2026
  • Aging And The Long Game Of Leadership The conversation around aging often centers on biohackers seeking to lower their biological age through cold plunges, red light therapy, and peptides.
    Julian Hayes II, Forbes.com, 24 June 2026
Adjective
  • Smith says in a separate interview.
    Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 29 June 2026
  • Though acquitted of murder, Simpson later was found liable for the deaths in a separate civil case.
    John Wawrow, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2026
Verb
  • Nigeria is largely divided between Christians in the south and Muslims in the north.
    Dyepkazah Shibayan, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2026
  • The technology’s build-out, included planned pipelines, has sparked backlash in rural Louisiana communities and divided the state GOP.
    ABC News, ABC News, 27 June 2026
Verb
  • Last month, multiple musicians withdrew from the fair's kickoff because of concerns about its political affiliation, prompting Freedom 250 to rebrand it as a rally.
    Rachel Treisman, NPR, 26 June 2026
  • As for Djokovic, the seven-time Wimbledon champ who withdrew from a pre-tournament exhibition without explanation, his draw looks like this.
    Adam Zagoria, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Detached.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detached. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.

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