aloofness

noun

Definition of aloofnessnext
1
as in indifference

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words
2
as in distance

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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 aloofness And although that single failure doesn’t disqualify him from being able to lead, some of his other qualities — obsessive perfectionism, hyper-focus that can come off as aloofness, a tendency to go his own way — aren’t always serving him well in tense moments such as this one. — Michael Silver, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2026 Remaining silent may shroud those in power in a cloak of untouchability, projecting confidence in their authority — but also aloofness. — Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 26 Nov. 2025 Throughout many revealing conversations, the braggadocious zeal of Poseidon and Zeus, the sexy aloofness of Aphrodite and Dionysus, and the sniveling bitchery of Hermes and Hypnos were endearing, but all gave way to flawed people who grew deeply over time. — Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 27 Sep. 2025 Reached by phone, the father comes off as a cold, uncaring man, and Pacino portrays him with chilling aloofness. — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 2 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for aloofness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aloofness
  1. indifference
  2. distance
  3. unconcern
  4. composure
  5. shyness
  6. bashfulness
  7. modesty
  8. reticence
Noun
  • The defendant showed a shocking indifference to the lives of her victims and is now facing significant consequences for her conduct.
    — Elijah Westbrook, CBS News, 6 Oct. 2026
  • And paradoxically, that indifference is what ultimately makes the city so deeply emotional.
    — Roberto Prieto, Variety, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of indifference
Noun
  • If Lula wins, Brazil will keep its distance from Washington and continue to deepen its relationship with China.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 5 Oct. 2026
  • The officer moved a safe distance away and ordered Cruz Linares to drop the knife.
    — Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of distance
Noun
  • The book’s occasional oases of self-examination are surrounded by dusty expanses of omission and unconcern.
    — Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 13 Dec. 2025
  • Whatever the reason, Maxwell’s strength and the shark’s apparent unconcern put one of Maxwell’s friends in danger.
    — Donald Millus, Outdoor Life, 3 July 2025
Definition of unconcern
Noun
  • Lily responds with monk-like composure in response to Jackie’s rude queries.
    — Vikram Murthi, IndieWire, 5 Oct. 2026
  • That composure helped carry Garcia quickly through open-wheel racing.
    — Tyler Carmona, Miami Herald, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of composure
Noun
  • What is striking is that all these versions agree on her shyness, modesty, and propriety.
    — Eva Blanco Medina, Vogue, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Instead of focusing on adventurous missions like PAW Patrol, Super Monsters emphasizes the more emotional aspects of childhood, like overcoming shyness, being a good friend, and learning from your mistakes.
    — Kara Nesvig, Parents, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of shyness
Noun
  • Her skin—something known as Frubber, a porous patented blend of fleshlike elastic polymers—stretched over a structure of plastic and titanium, and there was no flicker of bashfulness.
    — Dan Turello, New Yorker, 10 Jan. 2026
Definition of bashfulness
Noun
  • With a silhouette that hugs your thighs before lightly flaring at the ankles, this pants fit offers warmth, modesty, and elegance.
    — Bianca Kratky, Glamour, 8 Oct. 2026
  • In some rooms, the tubs are in the midst of the living area, which cuts into modesty a bit.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of modesty
Noun
  • Serena tells him his former boss Elliott Wyatt recommended him highly, which is strange given his former reticence.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Anderson matches his subject’s reticence with a similarly spartan approach.
    — Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of reticence

Browse Nearby Words

aloofly
aloofness
a lot
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Aloofness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aloofness. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

The Words of the Week - Oct. 9

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Popular

See More

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
a cup of tea and a golf ball on tee side by side
Quiz: Sounds Like... Choose the word that sounds like it fits the clue...
See All