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
Through it all, there’s the metronomic wash of the tides onto the sand, waves lapping the beach, the undulation of the ocean, and the cityscape of Rockaway, with its large apartment buildings and detached houses, in the background. Richard Brody, New Yorker, 13 May 2025 And a detached carriage house offers a finished studio upstairs and an office downstairs, making the most of the space available on the quarter-acre lot. Tori Latham, Robb Report, 10 May 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
  • Dan, who secured 20.89% in the first round, was a distant second.
    Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 19 May 2025
  • Its Dragonfly mission will launch in July 2028 atop a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket and reach the distant moon in 2034.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025
Adjective
  • But seeing that ship in space today was a hell of a moment for us, so congratulations to every single person who put time, effort, sweat, anything, into that rocket.
    Mike Wall, Space.com, 28 May 2025
  • The Cubs built a 2-0 lead in the first against Germán Márquez when Seiya Suzuki had an RBI single and Crow-Armstrong hit into a run-scoring forceout.
    Gavin Dorsey, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2025
Verb
  • 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
  • Both crosses were removed from the cathedral’s steeple and spire in 1998 for building renovations.
    Killian Baarlaer, The Courier-Journal, 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
  • The trailer opens with Elizabeth discussing a cold case for the group to look into from May 11, 1973, involving a woman thrown out of a window and onto the street below.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 29 May 2025
  • Aldi may carry kosher items, but the stores don’t have cold and hot deli counters or butchers who customize cuts.
    Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 29 May 2025
Adjective
  • Preventing germs from taking over your cookout To prevent bacteria in raw meat from contaminating other foods, use one cutting board or plate for raw meat, poultry and seafood and a separate one for produce, bread, and other foods that won't be cooked, the CDC suggests.
    Mike Snider, USA Today, 25 May 2025
  • The victim was seated in his vehicle and became involved in a heated exchange with an unidentified male in a separate car, according to police.
    Ikram Mohamed, Chicago Tribune, 24 May 2025
Verb
  • In response, Hungary withdrew its stake from the bank, marking a rare concession in its complex balancing act between East and West.
    Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 8 Jan. 2025
  • Biden, the oldest sitting president at 82, withdrew from the race in July, as questions about his age and fitness for office surged following a disastrous CNN debate performance in June.
    Justin Gomez, ABC News, 8 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • My main criticism is its withdrawn camera, which is set too far away from the action in most stages.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Parents watch as their once-curious children become withdrawn, dreading school instead of embracing it.
    Claudia Nachtigal, Baltimore Sun, 10 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Detached.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detached. Accessed 2 Jun. 2025.

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