detached 1 of 2

detached

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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
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 Three people present described the manner of the two strangers as detached and off-putting, and said their story just did not add up. Denver Nicks, Rolling Stone, 14 Sep. 2025
Verb
Not unlike those who have ignored the genocide in Gaza, James remains detached from the geopolitical and humanitarian crimes happening around him. Robert Daniels, Time, 10 Oct. 2025 Even when full, Wembley during England games feels too cavernous and detached from the action. Rob Tanner, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for detached
Recent Examples of Synonyms for detached
Adjective
  • Burns decided to take on the Revolution as his next project in the waning months of the Obama administration, a moment that may feel as distant from today as the war itself.
    Carlo Versano, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Our dream of going back to the moon and onto Mars and more distant worlds—not least to ensure our species’ survival before the sun flames out and engulfs most of the solar system—can be seen as just one more step in evolution’s long march.
    Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • This faux Dunhill Fir is designed to look and feel like a tree plucked straight off the lot, without the single-season lifespan or mess of shedding needles.
    Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2025
  • However, Daulton Varsho, who has been another clutch Blue Jays hitter throughout the postseason, smacked a single to center to score Springer to knot the game at one apiece.
    Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The original trees had to be removed in 2013 after being poisoned by Alabama fan Harvey Updyke.
    Jordy Fee-Platt, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Investigators have removed a haul of items from the camps for forensic examination as part of ongoing enquiries to identify anyone who might have assisted Phillips during his time on the run.
    Laura Sharman, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Rogé agreed that Gen Z is not disengaged but discerning.
    Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Oct. 2025
  • If someone is disengaged but still clocking in, that work has to be absorbed by other team members, which can create additional stress and drag down productivity across the board, said SHRM's Atkinson.
    Charlotte Morabito, CNBC, 24 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Take a break from basic vanilla and step into fall with a refreshing apple cold foam.
    Kylie Petty, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Pumpkin spice beverages and apple cider are popular fall drinks that can be enjoyed warm or cold.
    Heidi Moawad, Verywell Health, 21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Her body was found 42 feet underwater by a separate dive team.
    Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Some of those that do essentially segregate Medicaid patients into separate clinics.
    Helen Ouyang, The Atlantic, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Phillips also asked that their assets be divided up by the court as separate property, with no indication in the papers that the exes had a prenup in place.
    Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025
  • But like other governer races, voters are divided along partisan lines.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The South American country withdrew visa-free access in April in response to the three countries barring Brazilian passport holders from visa-free access.
    Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 27 Oct. 2025
  • The South African played this weekend in the PGA Tour's Bank of Utah Championship, but withdrew after the first round.
    Julio Cesar Valdera Morales, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Detached.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detached. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

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