detached

1 of 2

adjective

de·​tached di-ˈtacht How to pronounce detached (audio)
dē-
Synonyms of detached
1
: standing by itself : separate, unconnected
especially : not sharing any wall with another building
a house with a detached garage
2
: exhibiting an often aloof objectivity usually free from prejudice or self-interest
a detached observer
detachedly
di-ˈta-chəd-lē How to pronounce detached (audio)
dē-, 
-ˈtacht-lē
adverb
detachedness
di-ˈta-chəd-nəs How to pronounce detached (audio)
-ˈtacht-nəs, 
dē-
noun

detached

2 of 2

past tense and past participle of detach

Synonyms of detached

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Adjective

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus
Choose the Right Synonym for detached

indifferent, unconcerned, incurious, aloof, detached, disinterested mean not showing or feeling interest.

indifferent implies neutrality of attitude from lack of inclination, preference, or prejudice.

indifferent to the dictates of fashion

unconcerned suggests a lack of sensitivity or regard for others' needs or troubles.

unconcerned about the homeless

incurious implies an inability to take a normal interest due to dullness of mind or to self-centeredness.

incurious about the world

aloof suggests a cool reserve arising from a sense of superiority or disdain for others or from shyness.

aloof from his coworkers

detached implies an objective attitude achieved through absence of prejudice or selfishness.

observed family gatherings with detached amusement

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

Examples of detached in a Sentence

Adjective The house has a detached garage. a detached observer at company parties, taking it all in and saying very little
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Adjective
Goldfish centers on a 17-year-old high school senior who presents as detached, ironic and emotionally armored, but underneath is quietly paralyzed by fear of failure, abandonment and becoming his parents. — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 12 Oct. 2026 The year-to-date median close price for detached homes sits at $650,000, matching each of the past two years. — Sara B. Hansen, Denver Post, 9 Oct. 2026 Firefighters were called out to a residential fire near Pomegranate Avenue and found significant fire coming from a home and a detached garage. — CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026 Gudmannsson, who speaks with a detached solemnity, isn’t quite sure what to make of it. — HubSpot, 1 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for detached

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

see detach

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1706, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of detached was circa 1706

Phrases Containing detached

Rhymes for detached

See All Rhymes for detached

Browse Nearby Words

détaché
detached
detached core
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Detached.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/detached. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

detached

adjective
de·​tached di-ˈtacht How to pronounce detached (audio)
1
: not joined or connected : separate
a detached house
2
: aloof entry 2, unconcerned, impartial
a detached attitude
detachedly
-ˈtach-əd-lē How to pronounce detached (audio)
-ˈtach-tlē
adverb
detachedness
-ˈtach-əd-nəs How to pronounce detached (audio)
-ˈtach(t)-nəs
noun
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