ALOOF Synonyms: 76 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

aloof

adjective

ə-ˈlüf

Definition of aloof next

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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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

Examples 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 This is likely the cause of a 2024 devastating flood in Thame, a village in Khumbu, Nepal. Mount Everest towers above the planet, seemingly aloof and independent of the activities of those of us closer to sea level. —

Avery Hurt, Discover Magazine, 25 Nov. 2024 While cats are generally known for their aloof nature, Pita the orange kitten has gone viral after her owner shared a video of the cat repeatedly curling up around her throat to get comfortable. —

Jason Fields, Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2024 To this day, snippets of Biden appearing aloof are a staple of the Republican National Committee’s @RNCResearch account on X. On the left, numerous X accounts exist mostly to promote clips of Trump sounding unhinged. —

Brian Stelter, CNN, 28 Oct. 2024 As for the rumors that Starkey is maybe the most aloof of the cast? —

Julia Moore, People.com, 26 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for aloof

Recent Examples of Synonyms for aloof

Adjective

These surrogate daughters — her relationship with her real daughter, Hannah (Billie Lourd), falls somewhere between distant and estranged — are part of Shelly’s social circle, along with Annette (Jamie Lee Curtis), a fellow Razzle Dazzle veteran who’s now a cocktail waitress at a nearby casino.

— David Fear, Rolling Stone, 8 Jan. 2025
The Sky Axe may have spoken, to those who knew its origins, of distant horizons; and now, thanks to the young woman who found it, the skies of the American Midwest are part of its story, too.

— Peter Ross, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 Jan. 2025