detached 1 of 2

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
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
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
  • His ceiling offensively doesn’t suggest work as a No. 1 centre in the NHL; second-line duty over a period of years is something of a distant bell based on current numbers; his floor (No. 3 centre) would represent a reach selection for this player.
    Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Great athletes have been known to remember the minute details of games in the distant past with uncommon clarity.
    Mike DeSimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 13 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The singer-songwriter first announced the single in January 2024 with an audio excerpt posted on Instagram.
    Abigail Lee, Variety, 11 Apr. 2025
  • The single reached No. 3 on U.S. Afrobeats Songs and No. 4 on World Digital Song Sales.
    Heran Mamo, Billboard, 10 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
  • In 2024, employee engagement dropped to its lowest level in 10 years; Gallup data showed that only 31% of employees were engaged, and 17% were actively disengaged.
    Mick Hunt, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • This oral rinse provides relief from tooth pain and discomfort triggered by cold, heat, acids, sweets or contact.
    Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Lopez has been seen out in New York a lot lately, and while the weather has been cold for spring, there’s still a lot going on for her, especially in the theatre world.
    Aamina Inayat Khan, StyleCaster, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Instead, the judge gave weight to testimony from his family that a separate gang called Barrio 18 in El Salvador had threatened Abrego Garcia with death because his family would not pay the gang protection money.
    Brian Bennett, Time, 18 Apr. 2025
  • The gym murder case in the episode is very much separate from everything else going on with Olympia and Matty’s story.
    Jim Halterman, Variety, 18 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
  • 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
  • Jade and John told Dateline both had noticed their daughter was acting a bit withdrawn in the period leading up to her disappearance.
    Veronica Fulton, NBC News, 12 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Detached.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detached. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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