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
Daniel McFadin, Arkansas Online, 5 Aug. 2025
In a two-hour standoff in February, a South Korean ocean survey vessel tried to inspect the installation, and was blocked by Chinese Coast Guard ships and civilian vessels.
—Jill Goldenziel, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
Alicia Victoria Lozano, NBC news, 11 July 2025
At the club later that night, Caio and Lawrence stand off to the side while the rest of the crew dances and flirts.
—Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 10 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for standoff
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Noun
Daniel Owens, 47, was arrested following 12-hour standoff on County Road 105 in Stephens.
—Daniel McFadin, Arkansas Online, 5 Aug. 2025
In a two-hour standoff in February, a South Korean ocean survey vessel tried to inspect the installation, and was blocked by Chinese Coast Guard ships and civilian vessels.
—Jill Goldenziel, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
Verb
Protesters stand off against federal immigration agents Thursday near Camarillo, Calif.
—Alicia Victoria Lozano, NBC news, 11 July 2025
At the club later that night, Caio and Lawrence stand off to the side while the rest of the crew dances and flirts.
—Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 10 June 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 20 Aug. 2025.
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