Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective aloof contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of aloof are detached, disinterested, incurious, indifferent, and unconcerned. While all these words mean "not showing or feeling interest," aloof suggests a cool reserve arising from a sense of superiority or disdain for inferiors or from shyness.

aloof from his coworkers

When might detached be a better fit than aloof?

The meanings of detached and aloof largely overlap; however, detached implies an objective attitude achieved through absence of prejudice or selfishness.

observed family gatherings with detached amusement

When is disinterested a more appropriate choice than aloof?

Although the words disinterested and aloof have much in common, 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

In what contexts can incurious take the place of aloof?

The words incurious and aloof are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, incurious implies an inability to take a normal interest due to dullness of mind or to self-centeredness.

incurious about the world

When could indifferent be used to replace aloof?

While in some cases nearly identical to aloof, indifferent implies neutrality of attitude from lack of inclination, preference, or prejudice.

indifferent to the dictates of fashion

When is it sensible to use unconcerned instead of aloof?

The synonyms unconcerned and aloof are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 aloof Take, for example, Apple’s 2013 holiday ad, Misunderstood — a poignant narrative about a seemingly aloof teenager expressing love in his way. Bill Schiffmiller, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2024 In 1950 in Mexico City, the aloof Allerton, over at Lee’s apartment for the first time after a night of drinking, vomits into his toilet, then sits on the bed. Esther Zuckerman, New York Times, 19 Jan. 2025 One thinks of the aloof Greta Garbo who hid behind her glasses to stop interaction with fans. Margaret Maynard, CNN, 14 Jan. 2025 From there sprung Brian, played by Lou Taylor Pucci, an alien who looks like a new-age guru in a tracksuit, and, depending on the scene, can be naive, manipulative, aloof, romantic, cruel and even self-pitying. William Earl, Variety, 28 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for aloof
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aloof
Adjective
  • Shaw’s prophecy was light years distant from Uncle Jerry’s reality.
    Ron Grossman, Chicago Tribune, 9 Mar. 2025
  • In Oscar-winning writer/director Bong Joon Ho’s new movie, Mickey Barnes (Pattinson) is an Earth man who signs up for a colonizing expedition to a distant icy planet and volunteers for a job that puts him in deadly situations constantly.
    Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 8 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • One adult who lives in the detached garage and six adults and three cats who live in an adjacent home were displaced by the fire, according to the post.
    Graeme Taskerud, The Denver Post, 28 Feb. 2025
  • These parents fulfill their child’s basic needs—food, shelter and clothing—but remain emotionally detached and disengaged.
    Mark Travers, Forbes, 19 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • South of the Arctic’s polar vortex is the jet stream, a river of west to east air that flows five to nine miles above ground, and helps keep the pole’s cold air confined to the Arctic.
    Jeffrey Kluger, TIME, 6 Mar. 2025
  • But as the lingerie giant negotiates around a more cautious consumer, colder weather and tariff uncertainty out of the Trump White House, Hillary Super’s longer-term plans are coming into focus.
    Evan Clark, WWD, 6 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • California cool Mother denim has collaborated with JJ Martin’s La Double J fashion brand on a capsule collection debuting Thursday.
    Booth Moore, WWD, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Heading into Sunday, March 9, cool and breezy weather is expected.
    Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Aloof.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aloof. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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