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
Ketamine is called a dissociative drug because during a high, which lasts about an hour, people might feel detached from their body, their emotions, or the passage of time. Shayla Love, The Atlantic, 5 Mar. 2025 In addition to the main floor porch, the property has a large detached deck close to shore for waterside entertaining. Take a look around... Audrey Kennedy, Axios, 17 Jan. 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
  • Gravitational lensing is the best way to infer the presence of incredibly distant objects and measure their mass.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Or maybe one dreams of leaving a dying Earth to colonize Mars or other distant planets.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Each plane has four single suites and four side-by-side suites, two of each at the front of each business class cabin.
    Zach Wichter, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025
  • And others fear the learning curve will slow them down during critical production phases or that relying too heavily on technology creates single points of failure.
    Allison Begalman, HollywoodReporter, 22 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Switching to Bournemouth removed Adams from the frenzy and bright lights that surround Leeds.
    Felipe Cardenas, The Athletic, 24 Dec. 2024
  • Though once common in the Atlantic, gray whales were hunted and removed from that ocean about 300 years ago—and only five or so have been seen in the last 15 years there and in the Mediterranean.
    Danielle Hall, Smithsonian Magazine, 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
  • Pretty Touches Furnishings and accessories can be used as multifunctional pieces to add charm so the space does not look too cold and office-like, says Daley.
    Stacey Zable, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025
  • In many regions, spring weather can fluctuate between cold and dry to warm and slightly humid.
    Cierra Black, Essence, 23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The Social Security Fairness Act triggered a separate wave of claims from public workers in 2025.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 1 May 2025
  • But the actual preparation and administration of the deadly chemicals is done in a separate part of the facility, and that process has always been hidden from view.
    CBS News, CBS News, 30 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Belichick, always an insular coach, further withdrew during that season amid his team’s struggles, according to team sources with knowledge of the situation.
    Chad Graff, The Athletic, 8 Jan. 2025
  • In June, Musk withdrew the original complaint filed in a San Francisco state court and later refiled in federal court.
    Hayden Field, CNBC, 8 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Its influence on the withdrawn protagonist, Jamie (played by Owen Cooper), is largely implied.
    Paula Mejía, The Atlantic, 16 Apr. 2025
  • The withdrawn San Francisco drama, about lonely nonbinary nanny and restaurant server Cass (Asia Kate Dillon), is simple in its presentation, but disguises numerous layers to its story.
    Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 17 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Detached.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detached. Accessed 3 May. 2025.

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