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 Max is frantic and inquisitive, peppering Avery with questions and clinically presenting the possible scenarios; Tristan remains calm and collected, downplaying the situation while expressing aloof support. —

Claire Franken, TVLine, 21 Nov. 2024 Such a proposition is most attractive to those who prefer to stand aloof from the web of mutual obligation. —

Gideon Lewis-Kraus, The New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2024 But Captain Nemo couldn’t entirely stay aloof from the rest of the planet, and neither can Point Nemo. —

Cullen Murphy, The Atlantic, 11 Oct. 2024 More importantly, was there ever a smidgen of love buried inside this aloof woman? —

Sarene Leeds, Vulture, 13 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for aloof

Recent Examples of Synonyms for aloof

Adjective

While data isn't available indicating how much this has changed over recent years, the tradition of downsizing into smaller homes designed with retirement in mind is becoming a distant, if not completely unlikely, prospect for America's aging boomer population.

Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024
Tom Kim finished a distant second on 19-under and Justin Thomas, who led by a shot heading into the final round but remains without a win in more than two years, was third on 18-under.

Matias Grez, CNN, 9 Dec. 2024