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
As the researchers point out, warrants exist as a crucial check on police power, with the U.S. Constitution requiring review by a neutral and detached magistrate. Lars Daniel, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025 The median price of a detached or stand-alone home sold in May in metro Denver was $665,000, up 0.76% from April and 1.5% over the past year, according to DMAR. Aldo Svaldi, Denver Post, 4 June 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
  • The film is composed of three stories, all concerning the relationships between adult children, their somewhat distant parent or parents, and each other.
    Leo Barraclough, Variety, 31 July 2025
  • Constructed in the form of a triptych, the movie tells three stories exploring relationships between adult children, their somewhat distant parent (or parents), and each other.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 31 July 2025
Adjective
  • Support individual stems with single bamboo stakes; multiple stems may benefit from a grow-through grid or tomato cage.
    Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 July 2025
  • For a single taxpayer, the 12% tax rate applied on taxable income from $11,926 through $48,475 in 2025.
    Susan Tompor, Freep.com, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • Bricks that were most likely 184 years old were removed from the foundation of the church, ending its almost two centuries-long mission.
    Noe Padilla, The Indianapolis Star, 24 Dec. 2024
  • 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
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
  • In terms of coffee, try the banana bread cold brew latte, which contains banana, cookie butter and cinnamon cold brew with banana cold foam on top for $6. 5.
    Molly Gregory, The Courier-Journal, 29 July 2025
  • Authorities spent months searching for her killer—but came up empty as the case went cold.
    KC Baker, People.com, 28 July 2025
Adjective
  • Another caller, a case worker, was assisting two separate individuals who was defrauded by con artists impersonating immigration attorneys via Facebook and WhatsApp.
    Susan Tompor, Freep.com, 24 July 2025
  • Katsuhiko Aiba, an economist at Citi, suggested in a separate note that the finer details of Japan’s agreement with the U.S. could impact negotiations with the EU.
    Sophie Kiderlin, CNBC, 23 July 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
  • Set in Taiwan in 1988, the intergenerational drama revolves around Hsiao-lee, a quiet and withdrawn girl, growing up in silent gloom.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 23 July 2025
  • Everyone reacts differently to a cancer diagnosis: some men may want to talk openly, others may become quiet or withdrawn.
    Alex Apatoff, People.com, 8 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Detached.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detached. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.

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