aloof

adjective

ə-ˈlüf How to pronounce aloof (audio)
Definition of aloofnext
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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 Despite Tank’s relentless attempts to win Olaf over — flopping on his back, tail wagging, eager for play — Olaf remained aloof. —Ashley Vega, People.com, 24 Apr. 2025 On Reddit, users discuss relating to Bateman’s aloof inner monologues and defensively make fun of people who scold them for idolizing the character. —Alison Willmore, Vulture, 6 May 2025 Throughout the night, Coppola could be described as aloof whenever the camera flashed to him. —Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 27 Apr. 2025 Though never a commercial success, the LP made its way into the hands of oddball punks and art-rock weirdos in the Midwest, intriguing many with its aloof approach to merging rock, punk, new-wave, and experimental prog. —Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 24 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for aloof
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aloof
  1. distant
  2. detached
  3. cold
  4. cool
Adjective
  • The trick was to keep them distant and yet connected, and find ways to not make the audience wait to see their chemistry, because the John Corbett and Sarah Jessica Parker chemistry is undeniable and a gift.
    — Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 29 May 2025
  • Within 23 hours, the signals will be as far from Earth as NASA’s Voyager 1, the world’s most distant spacecraft at more than 15 billion miles in interstellar space.
    — Marcia Dunn, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2025
Definition of distant
Adjective
  • Investigators at the scene found the housing to a side view mirror, a front driver’s side bumper component and a detached front driver’s side wheel trim.
    — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 19 May 2025
  • Cooking was done in a detached cookhouse, which also is open for viewing.
    — Amy Bentley, Oc Register, 7 May 2025
Definition of detached
Adjective
  • The trailer opens with Elizabeth discussing a cold case for the group to look into from May 11, 1973, involving a woman thrown out of a window and onto the street below.
    — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 29 May 2025
  • Aldi may carry kosher items, but the stores don’t have cold and hot deli counters or butchers who customize cuts.
    — Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 29 May 2025
Definition of cold
Adjective
  • Other options that will keep you cool yet still looking polished this summer are a pair of pleated shorts from Quince or a linen-blend pair of Bermuda shorts from Mango. Wide-leg Jeans Jeans might seem like a surprising addition to a summer packing list, but a loose, wide-leg pair makes sense.
    — Kelsey Glennon, Travel + Leisure, 31 May 2025
  • Old towels cut up into rags do a great job of removing this soft flux once the copper pipe is cool enough to touch.
    — Tim Carter, Hartford Courant, 31 May 2025
Definition of cool

Browse Nearby Words

along with
aloof
aloofly
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Cite this Entry

“Aloof.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aloof. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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