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

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 aloof While he may be known for being an iconoclast, Bob Dylan has a public persona — aloof, remote, borderline misanthropic — that doesn’t exactly lend itself to the typical Hollywood treatment. —

Aja Romano, Vox, 25 Dec. 2024 Billy Strings and Jack White brought their coolly aloof swagger of being in the moment but above the fray of the grooving rhythms underpinning their virtuosity to Perkins songs. —

Marcus K. Dowling, USA TODAY, 16 Jan. 2025 There’s nothing floating or aloof, however, about Scherzinger’s performance. —

Sara Holdren, Vulture, 20 Oct. 2024 Those details amount to an author nudging depiction of a misunderstood wunderkind versus an aloof outsider. —

Jake Goodrick, Sacramento Bee, 6 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for aloof

Recent Examples of Synonyms for aloof

Adjective

Launched in 2023, Euclid is a wide-angle space telescope developed to learn more about the history and expansion of the universe by studying the redshift of distant galaxies.

— Justin Gest, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025
Einstein rings are examples of strong gravitational lensing, O’Riordan said, a phenomenon that acts like a magnifying glass in the universe, revealing celestial objects and light from distant galaxies that would otherwise remain unseen.

— Ashley Strickland, CNN, 11 Feb. 2025