DETACHED Synonyms: 240 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

detached 1 of 2

adjective

di-ˈtacht

Definition of detached next

as in distant

having or showing a lack of friendliness or interest in others a detached observer at company parties, taking it all in and saying very little

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in single

not physically attached to another unit a detached garage on the side of the house

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

detached

2 of 2

verb

past tense of detach

as in removed

to take (something) away from or off of something else to which it is joined Detach the lower portion of the invoice and send it back with your payment.

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in disengaged

to avoid engaging with or participating in something They were reticent people, completely detached from social life.

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Remove anything flammable from within a 5 feet perimeter of your home and any detached buildings, such as dry leaves and pine needles. —

Jeanine Santucci, USA TODAY, 12 Jan. 2025 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

Verb

Over-reliance on AI could lead to a society increasingly detached from authentic interactions, prioritizing convenience over the complexity of human connection. —

Chris Westfall, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024 As a result, our society’s popular understanding of events can become significantly detached from and even at odds with the facts that eventually emerge. —

Kara Alaimo, TIME, 13 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for detached

Recent Examples of Synonyms for detached

Adjective

Einstein rings are examples of strong gravitational lensing, O’Riordan said, a phenomenon that acts like a magnifying glass in the universe, revealing celestial objects and light from distant galaxies that would otherwise remain unseen.

— Ashley Strickland, CNN, 11 Feb. 2025
Launched in 2023, Euclid is a wide-angle space telescope developed to learn more about the history and expansion of the universe by studying the redshift of distant galaxies.

— Justin Gest, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025