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 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for standoffish
Adjective
  • His ceiling offensively doesn’t suggest work as a No. 1 centre in the NHL; second-line duty over a period of years is something of a distant bell based on current numbers; his floor (No. 3 centre) would represent a reach selection for this player.
    Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Great athletes have been known to remember the minute details of games in the distant past with uncommon clarity.
    Mike DeSimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 13 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • In addition to the main floor porch, the property has a large detached deck close to shore for waterside entertaining. Take a look around...
    Audrey Kennedy, Axios, 17 Jan. 2025
  • The property comes with a detached garage with a stylish glass garage door and a car charger.
    David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 29 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Lopez has been seen out in New York a lot lately, and while the weather has been cold for spring, there’s still a lot going on for her, especially in the theatre world.
    Aamina Inayat Khan, StyleCaster, 9 Apr. 2025
  • This oral rinse provides relief from tooth pain and discomfort triggered by cold, heat, acids, sweets or contact.
    Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Ohtani, one of the best hitters and pitchers to have ever lived, is faintly aloof and carries himself woodenly (and has a fantastic head of hair).
    Kaitlyn Tiffany, The Atlantic, 17 Mar. 2025
  • Deadline first reported that John Lithgow was nearing final talks for the role of Albus Dumbledore, the aloof yet powerful headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
    Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 7 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • If the planet becomes cool enough and hydrogen and water separate early in its evolution, Gupta says a supercritical layer of water could form beneath the hydrogen atmosphere — thereby shedding new light on how planets with liquid water oceans could exist.
    Victoria Corless, Space.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Results could offer clues about household confidence as inflation lingers and real wages cool.
    Catherine Baab, Quartz, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • At the start of episode 8, Cara, a reserved 29-year-old In-N-Out worker, had the cash in her box, while her bestie Samantha, a 41-year-old cop pretending to be a stay-at-home mom, had a clue that the secret millionaire was someone with two sisters.
    Jillian Sederholm, EW.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Without trust, teams experience: • Communication Breakdowns: Team members become reserved and hesitant to provide feedback or voice concerns.
    Dr. Jennifer Bryant, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The withdrawn San Francisco drama, about lonely nonbinary nanny and restaurant server Cass (Asia Kate Dillon), is simple in its presentation, but disguises numerous layers to its story.
    Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 17 Mar. 2025
  • Jade and John told Dateline both had noticed their daughter was acting a bit withdrawn in the period leading up to her disappearance.
    Veronica Fulton, NBC News, 12 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Standoffish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/standoffish. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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