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

Examples of detached in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
The new blood vessels can also form scar tissue and a detached retina or glaucoma, a group of eye conditions caused by excess pressure in your eyes.43 Treatment There is no cure for diabetic retinopathy, but early detection and management can help prevent vision loss. Lindsay Curtis, Health, 18 July 2024 Monthly rents posted on the site start at under $2,000 for a detached, three-bedroom compared to the median monthly housing payment of roughly $2,500 in metro Houston, according to real estate platform RedFin. Bailey Schulz, The Courier-Journal, 4 June 2024 Those with the dissociative disorder feel detached from themselves and disconnected from their environment, according to Cleveland Clinic. Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 5 Mar. 2024 The detached guest house contains a total of five bathrooms and a kitchen; the grounds also include a tennis court, swimming pool, and greenhouse amid acres of rolling lawns. Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 17 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for detached 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'detached.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Thesaurus Entries Near detached

Cite this Entry

“Detached.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detached. Accessed 18 Sep. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on detached

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