aloof
Emotionally at arm's-length
Aloof means emotionally distant or uninvolved—standing apart rather than engaging.
Someone aloof keeps others at arm's length, whether from shyness, disdain, or self-protection: She remained aloof from office politics.
The word often carries a whiff of coldness or superiority: His aloof manner made him hard to approach.
Far away or aloof
- farawayAt great distance
- removedTaken from position
- separatedPut or kept apart
- apartIn different locations
detached · disconnected · estranged · inaccessible · unreachable · hands-off · uninvolved · disengaged
Averse to socializing
- reclusiveSeeking isolation from others
- solitaryExisting alone, apart
- hermiticSeeking complete seclusion
- isolatedSeparated from others
loner · introverted · asocial · unapproachable · unfriendly · cold · distant · frosty
Without feeling or concern
- unconcernedFeeling no worry
- detachedApart or uninvolved
- disinterestedFree from personal stakes
- unmovedNot stirred physically/emotionally
nonchalant · impassive · insouciant · blasé · uncaring · dispassionate · uninvolved · uninterested
Unfriendly in manner
- withdrawnEmotionally distant, disengaged
- reticentDisinclined to speak freely
- guardedWary and restrained
- privateRestricted to certain parties
restrained · uncommunicative · tight-lipped · secretive · close-mouthed · self-contained · buttoned-up · unforthcoming
Excessively high self-regard
- superciliousArrogantly contemptuous of others
- contemptuousShowing open disrespect
- imperiousArrogantly authoritative
- snobbishCondescending toward perceived inferiors
condescending · disdainful · overbearing · pompous · scornful · patronizing · high-handed · lordly
distant
Far away or aloof
apart · detached · disconnected · estranged · inaccessible · unreachable · hands-off · uninvolved · disengaged · untouchable
antisocial
Averse to socializing
- reclusiveSeeking isolation from others
- solitaryExisting alone, apart
- hermiticSeeking complete seclusion
isolated · loner · introverted · asocial · unapproachable · unfriendly · cold · distant · frosty · unwelcoming
apathetic
Without feeling or concern
- unconcernedFeeling no worry
- detachedApart or uninvolved
- disinterestedFree from personal stakes
unmoved · nonchalant · impassive · insouciant · blasé · uncaring · dispassionate · uninvolved · uninterested · incurious
standoffish
Unfriendly in manner
- withdrawnEmotionally distant, disengaged
- reticentDisinclined to speak freely
- guardedWary and restrained
private · restrained · uncommunicative · tight-lipped · secretive · close-mouthed · self-contained · buttoned-up · unforthcoming · taciturn
arrogant
Excessively high self-regard
- superciliousArrogantly contemptuous of others
- contemptuousShowing open disrespect
- imperiousArrogantly authoritative
snobbish · condescending · disdainful · overbearing · pompous · scornful · patronizing · high-handed · lordly · uppity
- introvertsintrovert, introverted, shy, reserved, loner
- commitment levelscommitted, dedicated, devoted, loyal, faithful
- indifferenceapathy, indifference, unconcern, disinterest, nonchalance
- SAT vocabularyaesthetic, ambiguous, benevolent, candid, concise
- unfriendlyunfriendly, hostile, cold, cool, distant
- out of touchdisconnected, oblivious, unaware, clueless, detached
aloofwarm
Moderately heated, or friendly
friendly · approachable · cordial · genial · affable
aloofsociable
Inclined toward companionship
gregarious · outgoing · social · convivial · companionable