stand·off
ˈstand-ˌȯf 
1
2
: used for holding something at a distance from a surface
a standoff insulator
stood off; standing off; stands off
Examples of standoff in a Sentence
Noun
The two governments are currently in a standoff over who has rights to the land.
after two hours they had played to a 5–5 standoff
Adjective
the client's standoff attitude suggested that this was going to be a strictly business relationship
Recent Examples on the Web
Caroline Kubzansky, Boston Herald, 19 Sep. 2025
Beijing effectively seized control of the area after a 2012 standoff and has frequently ejected Filipino fishermen operating there.
—Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Sep. 2025
Usa Today, USA Today, 17 Sep. 2025
Hudson also spoke with veteran backup quarterback Jameis Winston and spent much of the Giants’ ensuing defensive drive standing off to the side and away from his offensive teammates.
—Charlotte Carroll, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for standoff
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Noun
Shortly after that standoff, Curtis Evans stood directly in front of the gate with an American flag.
—Caroline Kubzansky, Boston Herald, 19 Sep. 2025
Beijing effectively seized control of the area after a 2012 standoff and has frequently ejected Filipino fishermen operating there.
—Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Sep. 2025
Verb
Your philosophy may be challenged when Mercury stands off with Saturn.
—Usa Today, USA Today, 17 Sep. 2025
Hudson also spoke with veteran backup quarterback Jameis Winston and spent much of the Giants’ ensuing defensive drive standing off to the side and away from his offensive teammates.
—Charlotte Carroll, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for standoff
Cite this Entry
“Standoff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/standoff. Accessed 23 Sep. 2025.
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