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

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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 As her image is being chopped, skewed, and sold for parts, Charli (a genuinely good actor) toggles between aloof disinterest and manic frustration. —Kathleen Newman-Bremang, Refinery29, 26 Jan. 2026 Again, a silence fell between them, neither awkward nor aloof. —Literary Hub, 22 Jan. 2026 But some, including family members, say the former Des Moines schools superintendent, now facing gun and immigration charges, could be aloof and deceptive. —Tyler Jett, Des Moines Register, 21 Jan. 2026 Spock is this brilliant, arrogant, aloof-to-the-point-of-obnoxiousness genius. —Richard Edwards, Space.com, 18 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for aloof
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aloof
  1. distant
  2. detached
  3. cold
  4. cool
Adjective
  • But despite some intriguing production, Joji still feels distant and unknowable.
    — Mehan Jayasuriya, Pitchfork, 11 Feb. 2026
  • This isn’t some distant future.
    — Brent Saunders, Fortune, 11 Feb. 2026
Definition of distant
Adjective
  • Yes, all of these songs coast primarily on vibes—Joji’s delivery remains detached and clinical throughout—but at least the vibes are compelling.
    — Mehan Jayasuriya, Pitchfork, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Then, a crowd of fans — many in flannel shirts and ski caps despite an unseasonably warm February night outside — took him in politely, if a little detached.
    — Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 11 Feb. 2026
Definition of detached
Adjective
  • Snow and cold conditions have become increasingly unreliable.
    — Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Built for extreme cold Corvus One for Cold Chain uses industrial-grade barcode scanners with precise control over focus and exposure, enabling reliable label capture even when barcodes are frosted, damaged, or low contrast.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of cold
Adjective
  • But then a cool day turned into a cold one, more spectators holding coffee cups than beer cans.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 15 Feb. 2026
  • Other gifts are often produced in tandem with local fashion designers or curated by the city’s coolest design shops.
    — Clodagh Kinsella, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Feb. 2026
Definition of cool

Browse Nearby Words

along with
aloof
aloofly
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Cite this Entry

“Aloof.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aloof. Accessed 17 Feb. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on aloof

Nglish: Translation of aloof for Spanish Speakers

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