Synonyms ofaloof

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aloof

adjective

as indistant

having or showing a lack of friendliness or interest in othersthe new kid was really not soaloof as we thought him at first, just painfully shy

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the adjectivealoof contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms ofaloof aredetached,disinterested,incurious,indifferent, andunconcerned. 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 mightdetached be a better fit thanaloof?

The meanings ofdetached andaloof largely overlap; however,detached implies an objective attitude achieved through absence of prejudice or selfishness.

observed family gatherings withdetached amusement

When isdisinterested a more appropriate choice thanaloof?

Although the wordsdisinterested andaloof 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 ofdisinterested observers

In what contexts canincurious take the place ofaloof?

The wordsincurious andaloof 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 couldindifferent be used to replacealoof?

While in some cases nearly identical toaloof,indifferent implies neutrality of attitude from lack of inclination, preference, or prejudice.

indifferent to the dictates of fashion

When is it sensible to useunconcerned instead ofaloof?

The synonymsunconcerned andaloof are sometimes interchangeable, butunconcerned 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 ofaloofThat’s something Colonel James Stokes — her patient and side piece — has to be especially careful about (he’s played by Regé-Jean Page, perversely well-cast as the mostaloofcharacter in a movie that seems designed to prove his 007 bonafides).—

David Ehrlich,IndieWire, 11 Mar. 2025Reggae’s singers and players weren’t, for the most part,aloofsuperstars, but remained part of their communities, giving voice to local woes.—

Ian Penman,Harper's Magazine, 19 Feb. 2025Ohtani, one of the best hitters and pitchers to have ever lived, is faintlyaloofand carries himself woodenly (and has a fantastic head of hair).—

Kaitlyn Tiffany,The Atlantic, 17 Mar. 2025Deadline first reported that John Lithgow was nearing final talks for the role of Albus Dumbledore, thealoofyet powerful headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.—

Dessi Gomez,Deadline, 7 Mar. 2025See All Example Sentences foraloof

Recent Examples of Synonyms foraloof

Adjective

Or maybe one dreams of leaving a dying Earth to colonize Mars or otherdistantplanets.
— ArsTechnica,ArsTechnica, 25 Apr. 2025
But for the church officials and the families at Holy Family Church, the pope was not adistantreligious figure in a faraway country, but a daily presence.
— Bilal Shbeir,Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2025

Definition ofdistant

Adjective

Having lived in a 400-square-foot accessory dwelling unit over adetachedgarage in California before moving to Colorado, Barr was the only person on the council in favor of adopting the Neighborhood Housing Opportunities initiative.
— John Aguilar,Denver Post, 13 Apr. 2025
Thedetachedgarage, at the back of the driveway, holds one car.
— Angela Serratore,New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025

Definition ofdetached

Adjective

South of the border: 'Too scary' U.S. industries are already feeling acoldwind from up north.
— Cybele Mayes-Osterman,USA Today, 4 May 2025
Incolderregions, plants can be grown as an annual or overwintered indoors as a houseplant.
— Kim Toscano,Southern Living, 3 May 2025

Definition ofcold

Adjective

Environmental Conditions Native hydrangeas are found in many locations around the world, but all are found incool, moist woodlands.
— Mary Marlowe Leverette,Southern Living, 25 Apr. 2025
Warm days call for feminine blouses and tank tops, whilecoolnights allow for chunky cardigans and button-downs.
— Genevieve Cepeda,Travel + Leisure, 25 Apr. 2025