as in distant
having or showing a lack of friendliness or interest in others
she proved to be simply shy, not standoffish
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples 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 standoffish
After several minutes of standoffish conversation, Cummings accused Arriola of trying to scam him.
—
Frederick Dreier, Outside Online, 10 Nov. 2022
And Steve says, all of this just goes a long way toward the hospital, redefining its once really standoffish relationship with the surrounding neighborhoods.
—Laura Johnston, cleveland, 7 Nov. 2022
Harper is initially cold and standoffish, refusing even to pick up a champagne flute to collectively toast to their impending holiday together.
—Chelsey Sanchez, Harper's BAZAAR, 31 Oct. 2022
That’s because these standoffish compounds don’t react to anything—not biological or other chemical agents.
—Manasee Wagh, Popular Mechanics, 22 Aug. 2022
See all Example Sentences for standoffish 
Frederick Dreier, Outside Online, 10 Nov. 2022
And Steve says, all of this just goes a long way toward the hospital, redefining its once really standoffish relationship with the surrounding neighborhoods.
—Laura Johnston, cleveland, 7 Nov. 2022
Harper is initially cold and standoffish, refusing even to pick up a champagne flute to collectively toast to their impending holiday together.
—Chelsey Sanchez, Harper's BAZAAR, 31 Oct. 2022
That’s because these standoffish compounds don’t react to anything—not biological or other chemical agents.
—Manasee Wagh, Popular Mechanics, 22 Aug. 2022
See all Example Sentences for standoffish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for standoffish
Adjective
-
Phillip raced around the exterior of the house, checking for embers and spraying distant hot spots with water, protecting what had become an island in the fire.—
Eli Saslow,
New York Times,
19 Jan. 2025
-
Only the Colorado Rockies, a distant 20th at $129.9 million, have decided not to join in the spending.—
Barry M. Bloom,
Sportico.com,
19 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
But the detached garage and a guest cottage were destroyed, as were all but three or four of the 20 or so houses on their block near the Altadena Golf Course.—
Steve Lopez,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Jan. 2025
-
Steps lead down to a heated swimming pool, and elsewhere on the property are fruit-bearing citrus trees, raised garden boxes and an original detached bomb shelter.—
Angela Serratore,
New York Times,
30 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
The middle six had grown cold prior to Namestnikov’s injury, and his line with Ehlers and Perfetti in particular.—
Murat Ates,
The Athletic,
17 Jan. 2025
-
Even colder weather on the way, forecast says The weather service said another infusion of cold arctic air is expected Saturday night, and temperatures will plummet to the single digits Sunday morning.—
Robert A. Cronkleton,
Kansas City Star,
17 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
Billy Strings and Jack White brought their coolly aloof swagger of being in the moment but above the fray of the grooving rhythms underpinning their virtuosity to Perkins songs.—
Marcus K. Dowling,
USA TODAY,
16 Jan. 2025
-
There’s nothing floating or aloof, however, about Scherzinger’s performance.—
Sara Holdren,
Vulture,
20 Oct. 2024
Adjective
-
Ed was calm, cool and double-checked facts and arranged interviews with key players.—
Frederick N. Rasmussen,
Baltimore Sun,
19 Jan. 2025
-
But given this is a fashion week event, Sivan couldn’t help but make the professional look a little cooler—thanks to a delicious chocolate brown leather peacoat, which added just the right amount of edge.—
Christian Allaire,
Vogue,
19 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
Vacheron has always been more stately, more reserved, and in a way more true to its history than Patek and Audemars Piguet have been.—
Allen Farmelo,
Robb Report,
15 Jan. 2025
-
Abel describes herself as an extrovert who thrives on storytelling and adventure, while Andy is more reserved and content with a quieter life.—
Maria Morava,
Newsweek,
14 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
Pettersson is more withdrawn, more cerebral, more sensitive and certainly not prone to confrontation by nature.—
Chris Johnston,
The Athletic,
6 Jan. 2025
-
Introverts may become talkative, or extroverts quiet and withdrawn.—
Dr. Talia Varley,
Forbes,
16 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near standoffish
Cite this Entry
“Standoffish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/standoffish. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share