1
as in objectivity
lack of favoritism toward one side or another
the judge showed commendable detachment when deciding the controversial case
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in patrol
a small military unit with a special task or function
the general sent a detachment ahead to scout the enemy's position
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in coldness
the absence of emotional involvement
his detachment allowed him a clearer perspective on the child custody case
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of detachment
But fighting corruption may require detachment.
—
Kristina Berdynskykh, The Atlantic, 3 Dec. 2025
By acting as a biomechanical bridge, soft enough for muscle, strong enough for rigid parts, the tendons eliminate the tearing and detachment problems that have plagued previous designs.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 1 Dec. 2025
Either way—detachment or aggression—boys’ inability to compete directly and as equals with girls is having negative outcomes for all, including boys whose academic motivation, engagement, and achievement are suffering.
—Soraya Chemaly, Time, 24 Nov. 2025
Slow-motion footage from active shooter training courses, which is overlaid with bombastic opera and accented with a Ruben Östlund-like comic detachment.
—David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 18 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for detachment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for detachment
Noun
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The administrative investigation was later assigned to an independent third investigator to ensure independence and objectivity, said O’Grodnick.—
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Iran thus has every right to demand that the IAEA be diligent in observing its own procedures and codes of conduct on impartiality, objectivity, confidentiality, and sensitivity to national security concerns in exchange for continued cooperation.—
Noun
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According to the Hindu, local eyewitnesses have said that the elephant attacks mostly at night while people are sleeping, and residents have been using firecrackers and patrol teams to keep the animal away from heavily populated areas.—
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During his time in Iraq, Ross was a machine gunner on a combat logistical patrol team, court documents show.—
Noun
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Large roof windows maximize natural light, and the interior decor makes use of coated plywood and glass to offset the coldness of the concrete.—
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However, colors can also pull out negative emotions in people, such as defiance (red), coldness (blue), fear (yellow), and boredom (green).—
Noun
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Second-life batteries offer potential for circular economy Jeff Renaud, CEO of Relectrify, highlighted that the project demonstrates how Australian innovation can play a leading role in the global shift toward carbon neutrality and the circular economy.—
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Shipping lanes suffered, neutrality became meaningless, and actual fishing vessels became sitting ducks.—
Noun
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Some deputy chiefs and battalion chiefs protested the move, but Courser stood firm.—
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His cousin, the late Ed Brand, was a battalion chief for the Oak Lawn Fire Department.—
Noun
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In the play’s most striking image, the dead sit in the Grover’s Corners graveyard in rows—rather like a theatre audience—watching the living with quiet dispassion.—
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Nell shows a remarkable understanding of the song, a sense of dispassion that is both beautiful and chilling.—
Noun
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India, an avatar of forceful neutralism early on, saw its influence diminished by regional conflict and domestic troubles.—
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Globalizing impulses helped bring about a flourishing of neutralism.—
Noun
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Space Launch Delta 45’s weather squadron forecasts only a 30% chance for good weather at the opening of the window, but that improves to 70% by the end, plus a low to moderate risk of upper level wind shear.—
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Once airborne, German fighter pilots managed to break up the formation of his squadron.—
Cite this Entry
“Detachment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detachment. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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