buttoned-up

adjective

but·​toned-up ˈbə-tᵊnd-ˈəp 

: coldly reserved or standoffish

a buttoned-up executive

Synonyms of buttoned-up

• detached
• distant
• cold
• cool
• reserved

Examples of buttoned-up in a Sentence

a buttoned-up colleague who had no interest in talking about anything but work, even at parties

Recent Examples on the Web

The area might feel a bit buttoned-up and corporate for vacationers, but those in Abu Dhabi for work will be within a stone's throw of some of the city's best power-lunch and expense-account-dinner establishments. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026

Prince George’s style was more buttoned-up, with the young royal photographed in suited attire — a contrast to his 12th birthday post from his parents featuring Prince George in outdoorsy attire. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 8 Sep. 2026

Elinor is the more buttoned-up of the two, always following the rules and taking on more of a maternal role after the sudden death of their father. — Shelby Stivale, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Sep. 2026

Butlers, once portrayed as buttoned-up, silver tray-carrying domestics, now manage complex staff, technology, security and logistics across multiple properties. — Robert Frank, CNBC, 10 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1767, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for buttoned-up

• backup
• blowup
• breakup
• buildup
• checkup
• cleanup
• holdup
• hookup
• lineup
• lockup
• makeup
• markup