standoff

²standoff

adj

Definition of STANDOFF

1

: standoffish

2

: used for holding something at a distance from a surface <a standoff insulator>

Examples of STANDOFF

1. <the client's standoff attitude suggested that this was going to be a strictly business relationship>

First Known Use of STANDOFF

1837

Related to STANDOFF

Synonyms: aloof, antisocial, asocial, buttoned-up, cold, cold-eyed, detached, distant, dry, frosty, offish, remote, cool, standoffish, unbending, unclubbable, unsociable

Antonyms: cordial, friendly, sociable, social, warm

Related Words: indrawn, introverted, nongregarious, recessive, reclusive, reserved, unsocial, withdrawn; misanthropic; apathetic, hard, indifferent, unconcerned; clinical, dispassionate, impersonal, professional; disinterested, incurious, uninterested; reticent, silent, taciturn, uncommunicative; diffident, shy, timid; cliquey, cliquish, clubbish

Near Antonyms: boon, clubbable (also clubable), clubby, companionable, convivial, extroverted (also extraverted), gregarious, outgoing; communicative, expansive, garrulous, talkative; affable, folksy, genial, gracious, hospitable; agreeable, amiable, congenial, kindly, neighborly

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