1
as in objectivity
lack of favoritism toward one side or another
the judge showed commendable detachment when deciding the controversial case
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2
as in patrol
a small military unit with a special task or function
the general sent a detachment ahead to scout the enemy's position
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3
as in coldness
the absence of emotional involvement
his detachment allowed him a clearer perspective on the child custody case
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Examples of detachment in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Due to numerous developments—including ballistic missiles, economic interdependence, the connectedness of cyberspace, and climate change—strategic detachment and going it alone are no longer viable options.
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Charles Kupchan, Foreign Affairs, 9 Sep. 2024
Paradoxically, given the co-lead casting of a music superstar, the majority of the numbers are Arthur’s soliloquies, indicating his complete detachment from the reality of a trial in which the prosecution is seeking the death penalty.
—David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 4 Sep. 2024
Staring down the pretend map on the seat of the pretend plane from the real seat of my real plane, a familiar, sickening taste rose up my throat: ironic detachment, the unadulterated flavor of purity’s momentary success.
—Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 26 Aug. 2024
Decision requires ‘rare detachment’ Political commentator Bill Maher has called ageism the last respectable prejudice.
—Rachel Hadas, The Conversation, 9 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for detachment 
Charles Kupchan, Foreign Affairs, 9 Sep. 2024
Paradoxically, given the co-lead casting of a music superstar, the majority of the numbers are Arthur’s soliloquies, indicating his complete detachment from the reality of a trial in which the prosecution is seeking the death penalty.
—David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 4 Sep. 2024
Staring down the pretend map on the seat of the pretend plane from the real seat of my real plane, a familiar, sickening taste rose up my throat: ironic detachment, the unadulterated flavor of purity’s momentary success.
—Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 26 Aug. 2024
Decision requires ‘rare detachment’ Political commentator Bill Maher has called ageism the last respectable prejudice.
—Rachel Hadas, The Conversation, 9 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for detachment
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'detachment.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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“Detachment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detachment. Accessed 13 Oct. 2024.
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