detached 1 of 2

adjective

di-ˈtacht How to pronounce detached (audio)
Definition of detachednext
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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
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.

Related Words

Dissimilar Words
2
as in disengaged
to avoid engaging with or participating in something They were reticent people, completely detached from social life.

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Dissimilar Words

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
Dominguez never managed to ingratiate himself with the players and Lillo became detached. —Sam Lee, New York Times, 25 May 2026 The film centers on a pickpocket who survives by exploiting the desires of closeted men, until his detached worldview is upended when one of his marks returns seeking closeness rather than settling scores. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 17 May 2026
Verb
That June, an air tanker was dropping retardant in California when its wings folded upward, like a bird in flight, and detached. —Abe Streep, ProPublica, 9 June 2026 The Expedition continued into the intersection and hit a truck that was pulling a Bobcat on a trailer, which detached from the truck and spun around. —Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 3 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for detached
Recent Examples of Synonyms for detached
  1. distant
  2. single
  3. removed
  4. disengaged
  5. cold
  6. separate
  7. divided
  8. withdrew
Adjective
  • Each time, brown leaves that had drifted from distant trees quivered and spun on the surface.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 June 2026
  • The intricate arches perfectly frame patches of sky or distant mountains.
    — Alia Beard Rau, USA Today, 10 June 2026
Definition of distant
Adjective
  • The Knicks trailed in every single game against San Antonio and were down as many as 10 in the fourth quarter of Game 5.
    — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 14 June 2026
  • On June 8, Kentucky State Police Post 11 in London, Kentucky, responded to reports of a single-vehicle crash involving a pedestrian on Interstate 75 northbound near the 62-mile marker in Rockcastle County.
    — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 14 June 2026
Definition of single
Verb
  • Eco effort While the property has removed single-use plastics from the guest rooms and spa, small single-use plastic water bottles are still prevalent throughout the hotel.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 June 2026
  • The papery outer layers are removed before consumption, helping reduce exposure.
    — Lynn Andriani, Martha Stewart, 10 June 2026
Definition of removed
Verb
  • In worrying that young people are disengaged from participating in civic society, adults may overlook both their own role in fostering engagement and the many ways young people are already contributing.
    — Jen Agans, The Conversation, 8 May 2026
  • The volume also ran counter to the muted response from cultural figures, including musicians, who have been surprisingly disengaged from the conflict.
    — Lily Moayeri, Rolling Stone, 3 Mar. 2026
Definition of disengaged
Adjective
  • Amanda Lee Myers is a senior crime reporter who covers the death penalty, cold cases and breaking news for USA TODAY.
    — Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 10 June 2026
  • Fleur and Caroline put innumerable noses out of joint on their paths to creative and intellectual fulfillment; lovers become dejected, friendships are left to go cold, and each woman’s devotion to her work is viewed with resentment and suspicion.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 June 2026
Definition of cold
Adjective
  • Investigators said Morabia Siddhi Suresh, 33, of Fremont, California, had been driving in rainy conditions when she was involved in a separate collision, according to Kentucky State Police.
    — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 14 June 2026
  • The separate bottom-zipper section is an absolute lifesaver if you — like me — are accustomed to bringing along multiple pairs of shoes or want a place to stash wet swimwear or heavy toiletries.
    — Tanya Sharma, PEOPLE, 14 June 2026
Definition of separate
Verb
  • Outside the courtroom, reaction to the case remains sharply divided.
    — Elaine Rojas-Castillo, CBS News, 13 June 2026
  • The lithosphere, however, is not a single piece but is divided into puzzle-like fragments called tectonic plates, according to the USGS.
    — Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 13 June 2026
Definition of divided
Verb
  • Mickelson, who turns 56 next week, withdrew from professional golf this year because of family health reasons, last playing at the LIV Golf South Africa in March.
    — Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2026
  • In April 2025, just days after the federal court hearing, the LA County Board of Supervisors withdrew hundreds of millions of dollars in funding for LAHSA, opting to create a new county-run agency for homeless services.
    — Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 12 June 2026
Definition of withdrew

Browse Nearby Words

detachable
detached
detachedness
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Cite this Entry

“Detached.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detached. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on detached

Nglish: Translation of detached for Spanish Speakers

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