Definitions

aloof

[uh-loof] / əˈluf /

ADJECTIVE

remote

Synonyms

STRONGEST

detached distant haughty indifferent standoffish unresponsive unsympathetic

WEAK

above apart casual chilly cold cold fish cool forbidding hard-boiled hard-hearted incurious laid back lone wolf loner offish on ice putting on airs reserved secluded solitary stuck up supercilious thick-skinned unapproachable unconcerned unfriendly uninterested unsociable uppity withdrawn

Antonyms

STRONGEST

compassionate friendly interested kind sympathetic warm

WEAK

concerned sociable

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Simba Safari’s three adult females, originally from another zoo, were more aloof, though one came close for a while.

From Slate • May 27, 2026

Mostly, however, Boston is steaming at principal owner John Henry, a former civic hero who’s become regarded as an aloof steward distracted by investments like Liverpool in the English Premier League.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 27, 2026

In grade school, he was aloof and preferred the company of musical scores.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2026

“People shouldn’t care to hear my opinion. I didn’t have a phone for 18 months… I hate to be the artist that’s that aloof, but I’m so disconnected from what’s happening.”

From Salon • Feb. 4, 2026

I treated him with indifference, and I stayed aloof and emotionally distant.

From "While the World Watched: A Birmingham Bombing Survivor Comes of Age during the Civil Rights Movement" by Carolyn Maull McKinstry

Vocabulary lists containing aloof

100 SAT Words Beginning with "A"

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Essential Academic Vocabulary for High School Students, List 2

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Animal Farm

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!