Synonyms of detached

detached 1 of 2

adjective

di-ˈtacht 

1

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

• distant
• cold
• withdrawn
• cool
• reserved
• dry
• aloof
• remote
• standoffish
• antisocial
• silent
• professional
• timid
• clinical
• unsociable
• unbending
• offish
• asocial
• frosty
• shy
• standoff
• cold-eyed
• unclubbable
• hard
• buttoned-up
• introverted
• reclusive
• dispassionate
• indifferent
• disinterested
• impersonal
• unconcerned
• indrawn
• apathetic
• misanthropic
• uninterested
• unsocial
• recessive
• taciturn
• uncommunicative
• incurious
• reticent
• diffident
• nongregarious
• cliquish
• cliquey
• clubbish

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• warm
• social
• friendly
• sociable
• cordial
• extroverted
• expansive
• outgoing
• convivial
• companionable
• gregarious
• communicative
• talkative
• boon
• extraverted
• garrulous
• hospitable
• gracious
• clubby
• folksy
• affable
• clubbable
• clubable
• amiable
• genial
• congenial
• agreeable
• kindly
• neighborly

2

as in single

not physically attached to another unit

a detached garage on the side of the house

Synonyms & Similar Words

• single
• separate
• discrete
• private
• unattached
• disconnected
• unconnected
• independent
• freestanding
• free
• individual
• self-contained

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• joined
• attached
• connected
• linked
• adjoining

detached

2 of 2

verb

past tense of detach

1

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

• removed
• divided
• separated
• split
• disconnected
• resolved
• disassociated
• dissociated
• divorced
• disengaged
• disjoined
• severed
• isolated
• pulled
• decoupled
• disjointed
• uncoupled
• parted
• disunited
• dissevered
• disentangled
• sundered
• ramified
• untied
• unraveled
• insulated
• fractured
• broke up
• unfastened
• secluded
• ripped
• unlinked
• rent
• segregated
• ruptured
• disintegrated
• sequestered
• unyoked
• tore
• dissolved
• cut off
• disassembled
• partitioned
• decomposed
• subdivided
• dissected
• bifurcated
• fragmented
• rifted
• rended
• cleaved
• rived
• segmented
• bisected
• quartered
• broke down
• cleft
• fractionated
• broke
• cut
• dichotomized
• halved
• penetrated
• lacerated
• perforated
• fractionalized
• incised
• slit
• punctured
• slashed
• notched
• trisected
• fragmentated
• fragmentized
• gashed

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• combined
• associated
• mixed
• connected
• assembled
• attached
• blended
• coupled
• mingled
• bound
• closed
• welded
• fused
• stuck
• fastened
• accumulated
• cemented
• knitted
• merged
• consolidated
• linked
• joined
• knit
• blent
• united
• unified
• filled
• repaired
• agglutinated
• sealed
• sutured
• stitched
• healed
• patched
• sewed
• plugged
• mended
• darned

2

as in disengaged

to avoid engaging with or participating in something

They were reticent people, completely detached from social life.

Synonyms & Similar Words

• disengaged
• withdrew
• pulled away
• fled
• disentangled
• flew
• shrunk
• recoiled
• flinched
• shrank
• retreated
• retired
• abandoned
• evacuated
• left
• climbed down
• vacated
• departed
• backed down
• quitted
• bowed out
• chickened (out)
• fell back
• receded
• pulled out
• dropped back
• backed away
• backtracked
• backpedaled
• quit
• went

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• confronted
• faced
• bearded
• dared
• breasted
• defied
• advanced
• braved
• brazened
• outbraved

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

Recent Examples of detached

Adjective

The film seems to comment on the evolution of communication—from a love of language to a more detached, modern form of communication. —Callum McLennan, Variety, 17 Feb. 2025

The wood fence enclosing the yard is new, and a detached garage has a workshop and holds one car. —Angela Serratore, New York Times, 12 Feb. 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