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

Examples 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 This is likely the cause of a 2024 devastating flood in Thame, a village in Khumbu, Nepal. Mount Everest towers above the planet, seemingly aloof and independent of the activities of those of us closer to sea level. Avery Hurt, Discover Magazine, 25 Nov. 2024 While cats are generally known for their aloof nature, Pita the orange kitten has gone viral after her owner shared a video of the cat repeatedly curling up around her throat to get comfortable. Jason Fields, Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2024 To this day, snippets of Biden appearing aloof are a staple of the Republican National Committee’s @RNCResearch account on X. On the left, numerous X accounts exist mostly to promote clips of Trump sounding unhinged. Brian Stelter, CNN, 28 Oct. 2024 As for the rumors that Starkey is maybe the most aloof of the cast? Julia Moore, People.com, 26 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for aloof 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aloof
Adjective
  • The utility on Wednesday was sending 20 tankers with water to support firefighters in the Palisades, and the tankers were having to reload at other distant locations.
    Matt Hamilton, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2025
  • Tankers were reloading water tankers were having to reload at other distant locations.
    Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 8 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • But the detached garage and a guest cottage were destroyed, as were all but three or four of the 20 or so houses on their block near the Altadena Golf Course.
    Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 11 Jan. 2025
  • Steps lead down to a heated swimming pool, and elsewhere on the property are fruit-bearing citrus trees, raised garden boxes and an original detached bomb shelter.
    Angela Serratore, New York Times, 30 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • This Charlotte Observer investigation shows how a cold case murder from 2005 could force 37-year-old Devalos Perkins to spend his life in jail for a crime he’s not even convicted of.
    Kallie Cox, Charlotte Observer, 17 Jan. 2025
  • Fresh snow on the ground, bitterly cold air and wind gusts to 30 mph at times will generate wind chills — what the air feels like when combined with wind — in the single digits for the entire day.
    Mary Gilbert, CNN, 17 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The elevation provides cooler temperatures and optimal sun exposure, contributing to the wine's notable acidity and freshness.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025
  • Harrison Ford always keeps it cool, even when his colleagues are letting loose!
    Rachel Raposas, People.com, 6 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near aloof

Cite this Entry

“Aloof.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aloof. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.

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