aloof

adjective

ə-ˈlüf How to pronounce aloof (audio)
Definition of aloofnext
as in distant
having or showing a lack of friendliness or interest in others the new kid was really not so aloof as we thought him at first, just painfully shy

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 aloof Photo Credit Mario Galluci Schnitzer’s philanthropy defies the stereotype of the aloof collector. —Stephan Rabimov, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025 Enid-as-Wednesday struggles to stay cool and aloof. —Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2025 The episode also doubles as a character study of Morrow, who to this point has largely been an aloof, menacing figure. —Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 2 Sep. 2025 While popular culture has increasingly portrayed Gen Z as aloof, social scientists at Indiana University found that empathy has risen in recent years close to levels seen in the late 1970s, according to a 2024 study. —Helen Rummel, AZCentral.com, 24 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for aloof
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aloof
  1. distant
  2. detached
  3. cold
  4. cool
Adjective
  • What looks like distant diplomacy or marginal disruption is, in fact, defining competitiveness for the decade ahead.
    — Felicia Jackson, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
  • The magnesium salt flakes loosen up tight shoulders and soothe tired feet, as lavender and clary sage oil turn the day's stresses into far-off, distant memories.
    — Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
Definition of distant
Adjective
  • Due to his austere and detached manner, he is known to immediately inspire awe in his patients.
    — Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Sep. 2025
  • The consensus narrative of institutional finance has become so detached from empirical reality that diagnosing the problem requires abandoning its vocabulary for the precision of mathematics.
    — Benjamin D. Summers, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Definition of detached
Adjective
  • Charlie Kirk didn't deserve to be killed in cold blood.
    — Newsweek Contributors, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025
  • After all, who wants to wake up on a crisp winter morning to their feet on cold hardwood?
    — Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 16 Sep. 2025
Definition of cold
Adjective
  • With adjustable sleeves and a boxy fit, the Abercrombie & Fitch Cropped Trench Coat is a cool, lightweight layer for brisk evenings, and the army green shade is especially on-trend.
    — Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Because of its open-work design, the sweater makes a versatile choice for cool, end-of-summer nights and warm fall days.
    — Mia Huelsbeck, People.com, 14 Sep. 2025
Definition of cool

Browse Nearby Words

along with
aloof
aloofly
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Aloof.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aloof. Accessed 22 Sep. 2025.

Copy Citation

Share

More from Merriam-Webster on aloof

Nglish: Translation of aloof for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Using Bullet Points ( • )

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Putting Adjectives in the Right Order

A Guide to Using Semicolons
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Great Big List of Beautiful and Useless Words, Vol. 3

Color Words to Describe Autumn Leaves

Our Best Historical Slang Terms

And So It Begins: 9 Words for Beginnings

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE
See More

Popular

See More

Using Bullet Points ( • )

Great Big List of Beautiful and Useless Words, Vol. 3

Color Words to Describe Autumn Leaves
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
vector image of a face with thought expression
Commonly Confused Words Quiz Take a (break/brake) and (pore/pour) over this (c...
See All